Blanding’s Turtle

Emydoidea blandingii

Animal Class: Reptiles

Length: 5-10 inches

Lifespan: Up to 70 years

Diet: Mostly carnivorous; snails, insects, frogs, crayfish

Habitat: Semi-aquatic; shallow lakes, ponds, wetlands

Description: Sometimes confused with box turtles, the Blanding’s turtle is distinguished from other native turtles by its bright yellow chin and throat. Its shell, head and legs are dark in color, but mottled with yellow or light-colored dots. As a semi-aquatic species, the turtle spends significant time in the water and on the land. It dwells underwater during hibernation as well as to eat and mate. It will, however, return to land to nest and move from one body of water to another.

Conservation Status: Endangered

Our Animals: Rafael and Michaelangelo