Painted turtles photo © Andy Williams / CritterZone: Animal - Wildlife - Nature Stock Photography (all rights reserved; used by permission).
Official State Reptile of Vermont
Vermont designated the painted turtle as official state reptile by joint resolution in 1994 due to efforts made by students of Cornwall Elementary School. All State Reptiles
Joint Resolution
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.