Meet the Wood Turtle

Wood turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) live near water and spend the summer months on land. As its name implies, the carapace (top shell) of this turtle is rough, looking like it has been carved from wood. The underside of the turtle’s chin and legs are colored with bright yellow, orange or red. A Wood turtle can live 70+ years and their age can be estimated by growth lines which appear approximately every year until they reach full size. The underside markings of a Wood Turtle are unique to each turtle like a fingerprint, so scientists can track and inventory each turtle by their markings.

Although not listed as Rare, Threatened, and Endangered in Maryland, the Wood Turtle is a species in conservation need. Due to development pressure, habitat destruction and poaching, the Wood Turtle’s range is shrinking, and population numbers are falling. Locally, Wood Turtles have been found on the Conococheague Creek however State scientists have found this community is disproportionately old and male. Unfortunately, wood turtles from our area have been found poached, in the airport, headed for the overseas pet trade.

If you find a Wood turtle, please take photos of the top and bottom,record date & GPS location, and send to MD-DNR beth.schlimm1@maryland.org. Learn more how you can protect Wood Turtles and create habitat for their survival at: https://potomac.org/blog/2020/4/4/wood-turtle-land-protection

This Wildlife Wednesday provided by Suzanne Tinelli, ACWA Member