In the Wild

    Wood Turtles are omnivorous, that is, they readily consume both plant and animal matter.  As with many freshwater turtles, Wood Turtles are suspected to be "facultative omnivores".  This means that, if at all possible, they prefer animal matter over most plants, any day.  A hatchling Wood Turtle that eats an earthworm or slug might be quite content for days.  An adult Wood Turtle eating a similar-sized earthworm, however, won't be full because it's the equivalent of an adult human eating, say, one french fry (it just isn't enough).  If, on any given day, an adult Wood Turtle can't find enough worms, well then, plants are abundant and they don't run away!  Thus, many turtles become more vegetarian as they get older, but more so out of necessity than choice...

    What kinds of animals do Wood Turtles eat?  Well, as mentioned above, earthworms are a favorite. Slugs are also relished and many a Wood Turtle researcher has come upon one with yellow 'slug juices' all over its jaws.  Leeches and snails are also consumed, as are various insects and their larvae, tadpoles, frogs, and newborn mice.  Wood Turtles are also not above scavenging: stomach contents have included sucker, carp, bluegill, trout, and bird remains.  The eggs and/or young of certain birds (that nest on or near the ground) may also be consumed.  Stomach contents have also revealed snails, crayfish, millipedes, beetles, moths, flies, ants and various insects and bugs.

    An even wider variety of 'plant' matter is consumed.  Wood Turtles will consume certain species of mosses and mushrooms.  Mushrooms can constitute up to 37% of an adult Wood Turtle's total diet!
At least six species are known to be consumed.  They will also eat certain grasses and algae. Interestingly, Wood Turtles seem to relish the leaves of alder, willow, and birch trees.  There is even a report of cranberry leaves.  They also like flowering plants like wild violets, cinquefoil, and dandelions. Their favorite wild plant food is probably berries.  Wood Turtles are known to leave favorite areas and move to patches of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries.  They enjoy strawberry leaves as well.  One Wood Turtle was even observed eating the fallen fruits of pokeweed, a plant whose toxin can kill livestock!  Other plants include: plantain, mullein, greenbrier, sorrel, and the toxic milkweed plant. Lastly, Wood Turtles will also eat corn right off the cob!  How do they get at the corn? Seems they profit from the left-overs pulled down by both beavers and black bears.  This was confirmed by turtle fecal analysis.  Stomach contents have also revealed apple seeds, fox grapes, nightshade berries, turtle-head seeds, partride berries, and elderberries.

In Captivity

Wood Turtles in captivity will consume the following items:

    Fruit:  Apple, apricot, banana, cherries, grapes, pear, raspberries, and strawberries

    Melons:  Cantaloupe, honeydew melon, and watermelon

    Vegetables:  Carrots (boiled), corn, romaine lettuce, spinach, and mixed vegetables                           (purchased frozen).  

    Animal Protein:  High-quality kitten chow (staple food), canned dog food, live adult crickets,
                                earthworms, hard-boiled eggs (with crushed shell), dead mice (purchased
                                frozen), chicken heart and liver, and live minnows (from bait shops).