Blanding’s Turtle - Emy

Blanding’s Turtles are medium-sized turtles with a long, dome-like carapace and a long neck. The shell is usually dark colored with variable yellow spots and streaks. The head and neck are dark, but the underside of the chin is much lighter giving this turtle a “smiling” appearance. Unlike other aquatic turtles, some Blanding’s Turtles can close their shell like a box turtle, but flexibility of the hinge varies greatly – some individuals can completely close their shell and others can’t at all! Hatchlings usually emerge in late summer and are about 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) long. Adults range in length from 6-10.5 inches (15.2-26.7 cm) and can live 50 years…or more!

Blanding’s Turtles are fairly common throughout the lower peninsula, but much more rare in the upper peninsula. They inhabit shallow bodies of water with some aquatic plant growth and a muddy bottom such as marshes, ponds, and river backwaters. Some favorite foods are crayfish, insects, tadpoles, frogs and carrion. They do also require upland nesting sites – females will traverse considerable distances for good nesting sites. Blanding’s Turtles are quite docile, shy species that don’t normally bite. Sadly road deaths along with wetland alteration and loss and illegal collection has caused this species to decline and be placed as a species of special concern by the Michigan DNR.

Emy came to Sarett Nature Center in Spring of 2022 when she was surrendered to a pet store in Traverse City and soon thereafter handed over to the DNR for placement. Her name comes from the scientific name for Blanding’s Turtles, Emydoidea Blandingii. She has been a great addition to our animal ambassador family and has done a great job in helping us teach people about her species and why it is so important to conserve wildlife and the ecosystems they live in. Sometimes she can be seen climbing the bridge and platform in her enclosure and then sliding off of it into the water to make a splash! Sarett Nature Center has a Scientific Collector’s Permit issued by the DNR to allow for collection and possession of these animals for educational purposes.