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Blanding's Turtle

(Emydoidea blandingii)

Photo Courtesy of World Chelonia Trust

The Blanding's Turtle is a Threatened species in New York State but does not have a Federal status. They are 5 - 10 inches in length. One of the most distinctive and identifiable features is the bright yellow chin and throat that can easily be seen on basking turtles. The carapace is black with many yellow spots in a radiating pattern. The plastron is yellow with large black blotches and is hinged. The eyes protrude from the head and the males have a concave plastron.

Nesting happens in June and July when 5 - 12 (usually 8) dull white oval eggs are laid. Young usually emerge in August or September. Sexual maturity is usually reached in 18 - 22 years. It is believed that these turtles can live to 70 or more years.

The Blanding's Turtle can be found in lake shallows, ponds, streams, or any other body of water with soft muddy bottoms and dense aquatic vegetation. They are very tolerant of cold temperatures. The tend to be a bit shy and will dive into the water from their basking spots if approached. They can remain underwater for hours at a time.

Habitat destruction due to development is the primary cause of population decreases. Current studies are ongoing to determine population sizes as well as a captive breeding and release program.

Remember that in many places it is illegal to take wildlife out of the wild without the proper permits from local, state, or federal authorities. Please do not release any captive reptiles or amphibians into the wild as this will disrupt the natural order of our environment. See our amphibian and reptile adoptions page for more information on what to do with unwanted herps.

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