River cooters belong to the genus Pseudemys, which includes seven species of large, herbivorous, freshwater turtles. All seven species are known as “cooters”, which has African roots, stemming from the Bambara and Malinké work “kuta”, which means turtle.
River cooters are found throughout the eastern and central U.S., from Ohio south to Florida, and like all turtles, have excellent breath holding abilities. These turtles can hold their breath for several hours while actively foraging underwater, but what is really impressive is how long the can remain submerged while hibernating. Those living in northern ranges will hibernate in the mud at the bottom of rivers or lakes during cooler weather. During this period, river cooters can remain underwater for up to two months, taking in air through their cloaca.
Here in Missouri, river cooters are found throughout the entire southern half of the state. They will quickly retreat to the water when alarmed, but will otherwise bask on logs or other objects during the spring and summer.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the eastern cooter population as Least Concern due to the widespread distribution of this species, though there are a wide variety of threats and some anecdotal evidence to suggest population declines in certain areas. Least Concern populations are those that are unlikely to become extinct in the near future.