NPSpecies

Connery et al. (1998): Reported this species during searches of watersheds within the park during 1997. Subspecies of individuals observed was not noted.

Rhodin (1992, 1993) lack of evidence of painted turtles on MDI during the 1930s, and also a lack of turtle material from prehistoric midden sites (Fernald Point). Hunter et al. (1999; 18) believed to have been introduced to MDI.

Common on Mount Desert Island (Coman 1987). Hunter et al. (1999) although frequently seen, generally not as common as snapping turtles in Maine.

Park Species Detail: NOTE: Hunter et al. (1999) 2 subspecies (and often intergrades) live in our region: Eastern Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta picta) and Central Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta marginata). See Rhodin (1992, 1993) for a detailed discussion of these subspecies on MDI. Hunter et al. (1999) Native to eastern North America and Maine, found throughout all but northern and northwestern Maine; believed to have been introduced to MDI. Connery et al. (1998): Reported this species during searches of watersheds within the park during 1997. Subspecies of individuals observed was not noted. Rhodin (1993) 60 individuals were captured and marked on MDI during the summers of 1991 and 1992; some were marked and released within park boundaries. Rhodin (1992) 48 individuals were captured and marked on MDI during the summer of 1991; not sure if these were within the park. Coman (1987) not present on MDI until the 1970s, now there is a truly tremendous growth of the population on MDI. Within the last few years, the eastern painted turtle has increased at an extraordinary rate and has extended its range over the entire islands where it is now to be found in all suitable habitats. Previously reported the central subspecies as common on MDI and the eastern subspecies as rare on MDI, whereas it was almost certainly the other way about. Both subspecies are certainly on MDI. Coman (1981) Now species is doing well on MDI, where numbers of them can be seen sitting on a log or swimming in the shallows of Hamilton Pond, salsbury Cove, Hodgdon Bond, Breakneck Ponds, Eagle Lake, Bubble Pond, Seal Cove Pond, and New Mill Meadow. No records of the eastern subspecies for our region, observations reported as the central subspecies., Park Species Data Source: Connery et al. (1998); Rhodin (1993); Coman (1981)