I was exploring this beaver marsh not far from my home, and saw my first wild Blanding’s Turtles ever. These are large turtles, about the same size and shape as an army helmet.

Although essentially aquatic, the Blanding’s Turtle often wanders about on land, but seldom far from water. Unlike other species of pond turtles, this large but very timid turtle has no difficulty in swallowing food out of water.

Blanding’s turtles make extensive movements across land in search of suitable nesting areas, as well as traveling among wetlands.

Until recent years, the Blanding’s Turtle was thought to be gone from Ohio. The Blanding’s – named after it’s discover, naturalist William Blanding – is distinguished by its yellow-colored throat and is native to most of the Great Lakes region, but is either threatened or endangered in many states.

Third Eye Herp
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