The Rio Grande cooter (Pseudemys gorzugi) is a native freshwater turtle found in the Rio Grande drainage, including southeastern New Mexico, where biologists are studying its status and habitat needs. Photo Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service This summer, biologists will return to the Black River in Eddy County to study one of New Mexico’s lesser-known native turtles. The Rio Grande cooter, one of New Mexico’s 10 native turtle species, is listed