Blanding's Turtle

Description:

Their distinctive yellow chin gives them away immediately. Adults sport a handsome speckled carapace.

Notes:

The Blanding's turtle is endangered through much of its range and is considered threatened here in MN. It's status is due mainly to habitat fragmentation but is not helped by their relatively slow sexual maturation (12 years) and high hatchling mortality. A couple found this particular critter in their yard and brought him in to the nature center, not sure of his species. A DNR biologist was able to pick him up and relocate him somewhere with an appropriate habitat.