The Alabama red-bellied cooter (Pseudemys alabamensis) or Alabama red-bellied turtle, is native to Alabama. It belongs to the turtle family Emydidae, the pond turtles. It is the official reptile of the state of Alabama.
The red-belly inhabits the fresh to brackish waters of the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta in Mobile and Baldwin counties. It feeds on aquatic vegetation and can be found sunning itself on logs. Nesting of the red-bellied turtle occurs from May through July. Female turtles lay their eggs on dry land, digging nests in sandy soil, where 4 to 9 eggs are laid. Hatchlings usually emerge during the summer. When the turtles nest in late July, hatchlings may overwinter in the nest and emerge the following spring.
A mature female can be , while a mature male can be .
As of June 2009 the turtle has been seen in the central part of Alabama, in the Elmore County region.
This turtle has also been found in south-eastern Mississippi, in Harrison and Jackson counties. It may also exist in northwest Florida.
In 2007, a chain-link fence was constructed along part of the US 98 causeway (Battleship Parkway) that separates the Mobile-Tensaw delta from Mobile Bay. Hatchling deaths dropped 80% from 2007 to 2008.
Eggs and hatchlings of this turtle are eaten by humans, wild boars, raccoons, fish crows, Mexican long-nosed armadillos and red imported fire ants. Hatchlings may also be eaten by aquatic snakes and great blue herons. Adults may be eaten by American alligators.