Painted turtle; photo by Bill Damon on Flickr (use permitted with attribution).
Official State Reptile of Illinois
Illinois designated the painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) as the official state reptile in 2005 (also the reptile symbol of Michigan). All State Reptiles
An election for favorite state reptile was conducted on the Internet in 2004 (other candidates considered were the eastern box turtle and the common garter snake). The citizens of Illinois elected the painted turtle.
The painted turtle is one of the most widespread and abundant turtle species in the USA and Canada and a familiar sight in lakes and ponds throughout Illinois. Although it faces some threats, the painted turtle is considered to be of least concern in terms of current extinction risk.
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