Mount Desert Island is home to 3 species in 3 genera in 2 families. Click on a link below or scroll down for more information.
   Chelydridae (1 genus, 1 species)
      Chelydra serpentina - snapping turtle
   Emydidae (2 genera, 2 species)
      Chrysemys picta - painted turtle
      Glyptemys insculpta - wood turtle

Chelydridae

Chelydra serpentina (snapping turtle) has been reported from the towns of Bar Harbor and Mount Desert. The photograph below was taken by Don Lenahan in Bar Harbor on 21 April 2007 at the inlet at the south end of the Tarn. Almost exactly one year later, 20 April 2008, Don saw a snapping turtle "swimming at the very south end of The Tarn [in the] early afternoon".

This snapping turtle in Mount Desert was standing uncomfortably (for passing drivers) at the edge of Route 102 facing away from Echo Lake with the apparent aim of crossing the busy road. An attempt to photograph the turtle prompted it to head back toward the lake as captured in the following two photographs on 11 June 2009.

Emydidae

Chrysemys picta (painted turtle). This painted turtle was basking on a log on 24 April 2010 in the wetland along the east side of the carriage road just north of the Eagle Lake parking lot.