Musk Turtles, Sternotherus odoratus, are also known as stinkpots. All of these names refer to their emitting a strong scent if disturbed.
Their preferred habitats are lakes or slow moving water with ample aquatic vegetation. Because they are primarily nocturnal and often have moss covered shells, stinkpots are not commonly seen. Yet they may be New England's most common turtle. They are also the region's least studied turtle. See Lori Johnson's report on her research to fill in the many gaps in our knowledge of musk turtles.
