Reptile
Blanding's Turtle
Emys blandingiiBlanding's Turtles are medium-sized semiaquatic turtles with smooth dark shells scattered with pale flecks. A bright yellow chin and throat are distinctive, and the hinged lower shell can close partly when the animal withdraws.
freshwater turtleyellow chinwetland traveler
—observations
—countries
—peak records
EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyCrayfish, snails, aquatic insects
Predators
- raccoons
- foxes
- large fish
ThreatsWetland loss, road mortality, illegal collection, predators, pollution, and fragmented movement routes
HabitatsShallow marshes, ponds, sedge wetlands, slow water, and connected upland nesting areas
Life spanExceptionally long-lived, with adults commonly surviving for many decades and sometimes beyond seventy years
Classification
- FamilyEmydidae
- SpeciesEmys blandingii
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskModerate
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is moderate
- Wild turtles can bite and carry Salmonella even when they appear healthy; never handle or collect them.
- Why it is dangerous
- Handling may provoke a defensive bite and transfer Salmonella from the turtle or surrounding water.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Confirm a yellow chin, smooth dark flecked shell, and hinged lower shell without touching the animal.
- What to do
- Do not handle or collect; after unavoidable emergency contact, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- What to notice
- Document the yellow chin, dark flecked shell, and surrounding habitat from a distance without touching the turtle.
- Support conservation
- Keep exact coordinates private, leave the animal undisturbed, and report road hazards or suspected collection to wildlife authorities.
Responsible observation
- Identify: Look for the bright yellow chin beneath a dark lightly flecked shell.
- Protect: Observe remotely and never reveal exact locations or move a turtle except from immediate road danger.
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