Eastern Painted Turtle Eggs

Description:

This turtle nest was unfortunately destroyed by a predator - probably a red fox (Vulpes vulpes), but possible a raccoon (Procyon lotor). I found two sites where the eggs had been dug up on the side of this pond.

Painted turtle nests are vase-shaped and are usually dug in sandy soil within 200 m of water. The female digs with her hind feet. She lubricates the area with urine, and once the nest is complete, she deposits eggs into the hole. The freshly laid eggs are white, elliptical, and flexible.

Habitat:

Spotted on the side of a pond.