This freshwater turtle is common in the coastal plain of southeast of U.S. and is found in just about any pond in Florida. A larger turtle than the red-eared slider, it grows on the average of 9 – 15 inches. This cooter is primarily a herbivore eating aquatic plants including algae and underwater herbs. It digs a three-chambered nest on the lake shore where it lays most of its eggs in the center cavity with one egg in the two side holes. Although habitat destruction has affected this species, its population still remains stable.