Ecology of the Turtle Pseudemys concinna in the New River, West Virginia

During 1984-1985, we investigated the population ecology and habitat relationships of river cooters (Pseudemys concinna) in an 11.2 km section of the New River in southern West Virginia. Cooters occurred in three pool habitats characterized by slow current velocities, shallow water (0-2 m), aquatic macrophyte beds, and basking sites. We estimated an adult population of 67 during summer, 1985. At the three study pools, juveniles comprised 6%, 25%, and 35% of the captures. Adult cooters consumed eelgrass (Vallisneria americana), elodea (Elodea canadensis), and crayfish. Juveniles consumed vegetation, invertebrates, and fish. Movements of cooters between pools was not detected. Movements within pools were often attributed to the availability and location of basking sites which varied with river flow. Two radio-tagged cooters wintered in backwaters.