Blanding’s Turtle

Fun Fact!  

The Blanding’s Turtle can live up to 75 years old. This turtle isn’t fully mature until 10 to 20 years-old and can lay up to 22 eggs. They will live in aquatic environments such as the marsh but lay their eggs far away from water, up to 1 km away from home!   

Special Traits  

The Blanding’s Turtle is easily distinguishable from other turtles by its bright yellow throat and chin. Also, the Blanding turtle’s shell is reminiscent of a soldier’s helmet. They can be 18 to 23 cm in length and around 1.6 pounds to 3 pounds.   

Life in the Marsh  

In Quebec, this turtle is quite rare and it is found almost exclusively in the Outaouais region. It prefers aquatic environments such as swamps and lakes that are rich in nutrients.    

Protection and Threats  

The Blanding’s Turtle is seriously threatened by habitat loss, motorized vehicles, and raccoons and foxes that prey on its eggs. Illegal collection of this animal for commercial purposes is also a major threat.