08/23/2026
Yesterday we were able to help this beautiful female North American Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) cross a 4 lane highway!🛣️🚛
As I was driving out to Ithaca yesterday I noticed a turtle on the shoulder of the road about to cross! I immediately recognized that it was a Wood Turtle and started to stop our vehicle. As soon as I got out I started sprinting down the side of the highway to get to this amazing turtle before she was struck by a vehicle. I made it just in time! I quickly picked her up for a brief inspection and she was in perfect condition. I brought her over to show my family this amazing animal before I crossed the highway to get her safely to the other side so she could continue on her journey!🌿
Before finding this turtle I have only seen 2 other Wood Turtles in the wild. The last time was about 14 years ago and roughly 12 years before that one we found a large male. North American Wood Turtles are listed as an Endangered species throughout their range and in NY state they are listed as a Species of Special Concern which means it is illegal to keep this turtle without proper permits.Turtles like these amazing Wood Turtles can take nearly 20 years to become mature enough to reproduce! So I was glad that I was able to help this girl on her adventure!🐢
Fun fact! North American Wood Turtles are called "wood" turtles because their top shell (carapace) resembles sculpted wood! 🪵
