The eastern musk turtle is mostly aquatic, spending the vast majority of its time in shallow, heavily vegetated waters of slow moving creeks, or in ponds. It typically only ventures onto land when the female lays eggs, to bask, or in some cases forage.
In its natural habitat, the eastern musk turtle spends most of its time in shallow, vegetated waters of slow-moving creeks and ponds. However, it may temporarily leave the water's edge to lay eggs, bask, or search for food.