Posted on: 2017-06-30 09:30:51
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Recent turtle news you may have missed.
Today has some fun stories, some inspiring stories, and a few sad stories too.
Recent Box Turtle News
Today we have a lighthearted box turtle story from Louisiana.
Life lessons from a box turtle: The author shares what she has learned from a box turtle that has moved into her yard. 🐢
And a few repeats we still like:
- Nebraska has a new (unofficial) state reptile! It’s the ornate box turtle, the state’s only native terrestrial turtle. It beat out the snapping turtle, two snakes and two lizards for the honor. There are plans to make it official soon.
- Box turtle are out on Long Island: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is asking drivers to stay alert for turtles in the road. We want future generations of humans to be able to enjoy future generations of box turtles! [turtle emoji]
- Bourret’s box turtle babies!: These boxies are native to Vietnam and Laos. They are critically endangered and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo (where they hatched) is part of a program to help the species survive. Includes pictures of the little cutie-pies.
Recent U. S. Turtle News
Lots of turtle news in the U.S. recently. First up: Turtle tumors, a turtle thief, and a canine turtle protector. We move on to a bit of fun, a little mystery, and reminders of the need for ongoing conservation efforts. Plus lots more.
The Sea Turtle Hospital gets a grant: The hospital is studying a type of tumor in sea turtles. The grant, from the Florida Sea Turtle Grants Program, will help them better understand the tumor and predict which turtles are most likely to respond to treatment.
More work on sea turtle tumors: Researchers at the University of Central Florida want to know how and why fibropapillomatosis develops in sea turtles. They’ve received a grant from the Sea Turtle Conservancy.
Swimming with sea turtles: A chance encounter makes for an unforgettable vacation.
A rescued pup get to work … saving sea turtles! Dory can sniff out sea turtle eggs in seconds. Then her human co-workers can protect them.
Snapping turtle stole his bait … so he stole the turtle! Ok, not really. But he did hold it up for a photo op. He looks proud of himself. I’m thinking he’s lucky he didn’t get bit! 😲 (Massachusetts)
Ungrateful turtle: Not the safest turtle rescue operation, and it definitely violates the advice to only help if you can do so safely. But everyone came out of the encounter in one piece. (Georgia)
Babysitting turtles & their eggs: Volunteers in Rhode Island help protect a small population of endangered diamondback terrapins. In late spring & early summer they watch the females nest. Then they record mama’s stats and protect the nest from predators. Come August they’ll return to remove the protections as the eggs hatch.
Snapper moves fast!: This short video shows a snapping turtle making a beeline for Shawano Lake in Wisconsin.
Northeast Iowa turtles: Learn a bit about a few of the turtles native to Northeast Iowa.
Are southeastern map turtle populations endangered? Three biologists from Edinboro University want to answer that question.
What’s the fastest turtle? Apparently it depends on whether the turtle’s walking, swimming, or … uhhhmmm … flying?! 😝
How did this Blanding’s turtle get 100 miles from home? Scientists want to know if the species is expanding its range. That could be good news for the endangered species.
Tiny bits of habitat left for tiny turtles: Bog turtles are tiny little things. Sadly their populations are also becoming tiny because the bogs where they live have been getting tinier. 😞
Baby spiny softshell turtles go home to Lake Champlain: They look like little pancakes with legs and a head! Watch the adorable little critters swim away. (Video)
An unusual sea turtle egg poacher: Turtle egg poachers usually have two legs … this one has four. Officials may try to relocate it.
Sea turtle nests vs Tropical Storm Cindy: The storm appears to have destroyed more than half the nests along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Kemp’s ridley sea turtles nest on Volusia beaches: At least 3 females have made at least 4 nests this year. There have only been 14 known nests (including these) in the area since 1996. Includes video of nesting female. (Florida)
That’s one spoiled turtle! The Anchorage Museum has given Chomper the snapping turtle a newly revamped home.
And two repeats. The NJ reptile petition is still open, and turtle sightings around Vermont & southern Quebec are still needed.
- Help elect the Bog turtle New Jersey’s state reptile! Supporters from around the world have been signing the petition. Add your name! They’re still far from their goal of 5,000 supporters.
- Help count turtles around northern Vermont & southern Quebec: Memphremagog Conservation Inc is asking residents to report turtle sightings. The census runs from June through October.
Recent International Turtle News
Another young person making a difference, and an opportunity for anyone to make a difference on vacation. Plus a bit of good news, and the inevitable sad news.
Breads & cookies for the turtles: No, not for them to eat. An 11-year-old boy with big dreams sells them for humans to eat, then donates the money to sea turtle organizations. Now he’s selling a cookbook of his recipes to help even more. 💞
More loggerheads have been nesting in Cuba: That’s the good news. The bad news is they’ve been laying fewer eggs. So now we’re not sure if the turtles are doing better or worse …
Divers find a sad sight: Someone tied a hawksbill turtle to a rock. 😢
Protecting Canada’s at-risk turtles: Really, this advice is good wherever you live. Turtles everywhere are at risk, and helping even one (especially a female) can help keep populations alive.
Another turtle dies after eating trash: This one ate a green nylon rope, probably because it thought it was seaweed. 😢 (Thailand)
Vacation at a sea turtle hospital: Spend some time volunteering as a turtle doctor … Did we mention it’s in Italy?
Turtle poachers again: Three people arrested while transporting 270 rare turtles (West Bengal, India)
At least 38 dead turtles in a pond: Someone may have dumped chemicals in the pond. 😢 (India)
Cholera outbreaks linked to softshell turtles: In many countries, people eat softshell turtles. If the meat isn’t cooked enough, or the same utensils/plates are used for raw and cooked meat, it can cause cholera.
And one more share for these three stories:
- Spreading the word about the dangers of plastic to marine life: ‘Plastic Free Boy’ has a mission to protect the turtles. He’s making a difference. And a film.
- One community’s solution for protecting turtles crossing the road: Turtle tunnels! And fencing to encourage them to use their new “crosswalks.” You can find a more detailed story here.
- Bri Bri the Turtle Guy’s slow & steady campaign to protect Ontario’s turtles: He personally patrols roadways to find turtles needing help. And he teaches others how to protect turtles and the environment.