Wood Turtle Glyptemys insculpta

Identification
This turtle has a sculpted shell with raised pyramidal scutes. Its legs are often orange or reddish.

Location
Extirpated or extremely rare

Size
7 to 9 inches

Diet
It feeds on insects worms berries and plant material.

Habitat
It formerly occurred in northeastern Ohio.

Activity Period
April to October

Behavior
It is semi terrestrial and moves between forests and streams. It is highly intelligent and exploratory. It is most active in warm months.

Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in spring and females lay eggs in early summer.

Population
The population is likely extirpated in Ohio.

History
It has declined severely due to habitat loss.

Human Interactions
It avoids humans and is rarely observed.

Facts
It is known for its unusually complex behavior.

Sources
ODNR NatureServe

Insects worms berries plants | Rivers streams forests | Formerly in northeast Ohio