The male mounts the female from behind using his claws to secure his position. Then he moves his tail under hers to breed. The females are ready to lay their eggs in June. At this time many females can be observed seeking out their nesting sites, which may vary considerably in distance from their aquatic home. Often, females must cross roads to reach their destination and, unfortunately, are hit by motorists.
Females mainly choose areas of loose sand or soil that get plenty of sunshine.
She begins by digging a flask-shaped nest. She deposits about 7 or 8 eggs, fills the enclosure in, and makes her way back to her home. Predation upon turtle nests is extremely high, mostly by mammals which are able to dig up the leathery shelled eggs. The young turtles hatch in late August, but the young may overwinter inside the nests and emerge the following spring. They will be ready to reproduce at about four years.