Nest locations are typically sandy or friable loam soils, within 30 meters of the water. Nest cavities are dug entirely with the hind feet. The eggs are pink to white in color and ellipsoidal in shape, bearing many fine nodules. Most hatchlings emerge from the nest in August or September after an incubation period of 80-150 days, dependent on soil temperatures. In some northern populations, hatchlings may overwinter in the nest cavity and emerge the following spring.
Hatchlings have green shells with brighter light markings than do adults.
The carapace is rounded with a medial keel present. Behavior The river cooter is active from April to October over most of its range, but some remain active all year in Florida and the lower Gulf Coastal Plain streams. Most activity is diurnal, although some females may nest after dark. This species forages in the early morning and late afternoon, with most time between spent basking in the sun. The river cooter is a shy species, leaving the water only to bask or nest, and will return to the water at the first indication of danger.