Turtles in South Carolina

Turtles are unique reptiles, having boney or cartilaginous shells covering their bodies. The turtle’s shell is developed from its ribs, and grows with the turtle over its lifetime. In some turtles growth rings can be seen on the scutes (scales) covering the shell. Turtles are found in a wide variety of habitats in South Carolina including the ocean, freshwater lakes and rivers, dry sandhills, and forests.

University of Georgia, SREL

• Turtle species information

Marine (Sea) turtles

• In-Water Sea Turtle Research
• SC Marine Turtle Conservation Program
• Sea Science - Sea Turtles
• Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring System
• Sea Turtle Sightings
  • Report Live Sea Turtle Sightings
  • To Report a Dead or Injured Sea Turtle Call 1-800-922-5431

Additional resources for turtles

• Species profile - Diamondback Terrapin
  • Identification
  • Conservation Action
  • Research

State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP)

Downloadable resources linked below are in the PDF format.

• Diamondback terrapin
• Freshwater turtles
• Gopher tortoise
• Leatherback Sea Turtle
• Loggerhead Sea Turtle
• Resident Juvenile Sea Turtle Guild

Contacts

Andrew Grosse - SCDNR Herpetologist

Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
220 Santee Gun Club Rd.
McClellanville, SC 29458
Ph: (843) 527-8448
Fax: (843) 527-0255

E-mail: grossea@dnr.sc.gov

Michelle Pate - SCDNR Sea Turtle Program Coordinator

Marine Resources
P.O. Box 12559
Charleston, SC 29422-2559
Phone: 843-953-9052
Fax: 843-953-9282

Email: pates@dnr.sc.gov

Mike Arendt - SCDNR In-Water Sea Turtle and Diamondback Terrapin Research

SCDNR/MRD/MRRI
217 Fort Johnson Road
Charleston, SC 29412
Phone: 843-953-9097
Fax: 843-953-9220

Email: arendtm@dnr.sc.gov