Meet Our Resident
Scooter is a personable turtle with a fondness for basking under warm lights. Her calm demeanor and graceful swimming make her a favorite among young visitors in Burpee’s Conservation Corridor.

Connections to the Museum
As a native Illinois species with a threatened state status, Scooter represents Burpee’s local conservation mission. Her story links the museum’s live collections to its ancient aquatic fossils—showing how turtles have thrived for more than 200 million years.

Natural History & Behavior
River Cooters are diurnal baskers and strong swimmers. They feed mainly on aquatic plants but also consume invertebrates and carrion. They require clean water and sunlit basking platforms.

Evolutionary Connections
Modern turtles like Scooter are direct descendants of ancient Cretaceous species whose shells appear in Burpee’s fossil record. Their basic anatomy has changed little—an example of evolutionary success through stability.

Wild Habitat & Distribution
Found throughout the southeastern U.S. into southern Illinois, inhabiting clear, slow rivers with abundant vegetation.

Conservation & Status
Although globally secure, the River Cooter is state-threatened in Illinois due to habitat loss, water pollution, and collection. Burpee’s permitted specimen helps raise awareness for clean water initiatives and native species protection.