Open 361 Days a Year: Admissions 10:00am – 3:30pm; park closes at 4:30pm

Due to significant flooding and impassable roads in our region from Tropical Storm Helene, the WNC Nature Center is temporarily CLOSED. It will take time to reopen. We will need your support as we recover and rebuild. www.wildwnc.org/donate.

Despite being closed, you can still book Custom Experiences, including private, guided tours and other small events! www.wildwnc.org/events.
Our Outreach Education team is still providing affordable, offsite programs with ambassador animals! www.wildwnc.org/outreach-education

Eastern Mud Turtle

Kinosternon subrubrum

Appearance: The eastern mud turtle is small and only grows to be 3-5 inches long as an adult. They have an unmarked shell that ranges in color from brown to olive. Unlike most other turtles, eastern mud turtles have two hinges on their plastron (lower shell) to help protect their limbs from predators. In the wild, they can live between 20-40 years; in captivity, they can live up to 50.

Behavior: Often confused with their cousin, the eastern musk turtle, they also can release a foul smell while under stress. They are also semi-aquatic but prefer to crawl through slow-moving water.

Range: Eastern mud turtles are found along the eastern coast of the United States and go as far west as Texas.

Diet: Their diet is varied and can include crustaceans, mollusks, insects, seeds, and aquatic plants.