What kind of turtle is this? - Ask Extension
A client came in and said this turtle laid eggs in their yard. They cannot identify it, but they think it is a Blanding's turtle. They would like to k...
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What kind of turtle is this? #874654
Asked June 25, 2024, 2:54 PM EDT
A client came in and said this turtle laid eggs in their yard. They cannot identify it, but they think it is a Blanding's turtle. They would like to know if it is endangered and if they can do anything to "help" after the eggs hatch. Will you please identify and send whatever information you have on this turtle? Thank you.
Alcona County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi, Kelly.
Apologies for the delay in responding.
Yes, the turtle is a Blanding's turtle. It is a species of special concern in Michigan so it is not listed as a threatened or endangered species in Michigan currently but the species has declined in the state and faces a number of threats and is being considered for federal listing. This species is protected in Michigan under a special DNR Director's Order so technically, you would need a permit from the DNR to handle this species.
Nest predation is a significant threat to this species (and most turtle species). One thing that individuals can do to help turtle nests and reproduction is to protect the nest from predation/predators. Building and placing a nest protection enclosure or predator exclosure over the nest can help protect nests. I have attached several handouts with examples of several different designs for nest protection enclosures. I think most of these have openings or the mesh is large enough for hatchlings to leave the nest/enclosure when they emerge from the nest. If not, the landowner should remove the nest enclosure before hatchlings emerge (by late July/early August) or closely monitor the nest enclosure and remove the enclosure once hatchlings start emerging.
Another thing that individuals can do to help conserve this species is to report sightings of this species so that we can better monitor the status and distribution of this species and protect existing populations. Could you please submit a report of this sighting or ask the landowner to submit a report of this sighting? You can use the following link to a webpage with more information about how to report the sighting: https://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/species/report.
Thank you for taking the time to ask about this and sharing this observation! Hopefully, the nest is successful and some hatchlings are able to emerge to help enhance the population! Please let me know if you have any additional questions or would like any additional information.
Best,
Yu Man Lee
Apologies for the delay in responding.
Yes, the turtle is a Blanding's turtle. It is a species of special concern in Michigan so it is not listed as a threatened or endangered species in Michigan currently but the species has declined in the state and faces a number of threats and is being considered for federal listing. This species is protected in Michigan under a special DNR Director's Order so technically, you would need a permit from the DNR to handle this species.
Nest predation is a significant threat to this species (and most turtle species). One thing that individuals can do to help turtle nests and reproduction is to protect the nest from predation/predators. Building and placing a nest protection enclosure or predator exclosure over the nest can help protect nests. I have attached several handouts with examples of several different designs for nest protection enclosures. I think most of these have openings or the mesh is large enough for hatchlings to leave the nest/enclosure when they emerge from the nest. If not, the landowner should remove the nest enclosure before hatchlings emerge (by late July/early August) or closely monitor the nest enclosure and remove the enclosure once hatchlings start emerging.
Another thing that individuals can do to help conserve this species is to report sightings of this species so that we can better monitor the status and distribution of this species and protect existing populations. Could you please submit a report of this sighting or ask the landowner to submit a report of this sighting? You can use the following link to a webpage with more information about how to report the sighting: https://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/species/report.
Thank you for taking the time to ask about this and sharing this observation! Hopefully, the nest is successful and some hatchlings are able to emerge to help enhance the population! Please let me know if you have any additional questions or would like any additional information.
Best,
Yu Man Lee
