Vermont State Reptile
| Painted Turtle |
Chrysemys picta |
Adopted:May 16, 1994 |
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Painted Turtle: Vermont State Reptile
Photographer: John J. Mosesso
National Biological Information Infrastructure |
Adoption of the Vermont State Reptile
The Vermont State Reptile was adopted by Joint Resolution No. 179 on May 16, 1994 after a campaign by students at Cornwall Elementary School in Middlebury, Vermont.
NO. R-179. JOINT RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF THE PAINTED TURTLE AS THE STATE REPTILE.
(J.R.S. 57)
Offered by: Senator Ready of Addison County.
Whereas, the Painted Turtle is a hard worker and can withstand cold temperatures like the citizens of Vermont, and
Whereas, the colors of the Painted Turtle represent the beauty of our state in autumn, and
Whereas, the Painted Turtle adds to the diversity of Vermont's habitat, and
Whereas, ponds are an attractive part of Vermont's landscape and the Painted Turtle adds to that beauty, and
Whereas, Painted Turtles help control the number of insect pests in Vermont, and
Whereas, the Painted Turtle is one of the most common turtles in Vermont, now therefore be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives:
That the General Assembly hereby recognizes the Painted Turtle as the official state reptile, and be it further
Resolved: That the Secretary of State is directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the students of Cornwall Elementary School inasmuch as their efforts resulted in legislative recognition of this fine reptile.
Vermont Law
As the painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) was adopted by joint resolution, it is not recorded in the Vermont Statutes.
Source: The State of Vermont Legislature, Legislative Information Database, (http://www.leg.state.vt.us/database/database2.cfm), December 30, 2008.
Source: State Names, Flags, Seals, Songs, Birds, Flowers, and Other Symbols by George Earlie Shankle. Reprint Services Corp; Revised edition (June 1971).
Additional Information
Chrysemys picta (Painted turtle):
University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Animal Diversity Web.
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