Aquatic corridors are required for movement. Hibernation Adults hibernate communally under water, often in the deepest water available. Rock piles or depressions may be necessary to provide protection, or prevent silting or ice scouring. Hatchlings are not freeze tolerant and are not known to over winter in the nest. Hydrology Adults generally range in deeper water and further from shore than Painted or Blanding's turtles.
Juveniles use shallower, near shore areas.
In some areas, they prefer basking sites with roots and stumps rather than bare soil or rocks below. Nest are dug in friable soil with no large rocks, or roots, on a shoreline in full sunlight. In water, submerged aquatic vegetation to forage in. On land, herbaceous vegetation near nest sites but not so thick as to impede nest digging. Structures Logs for basking, hibernation sites necessary.