Michigan Amphibian & Reptile Sanctuary

Michigan Amphibian & Reptile Sanctuary MARS specializes in the rehabilitation of Michigan's native amphibian and reptile species. EIN: 154-4451
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In addition to our rehabilitation work, we also rescue, care for, and find responsible homes for domesticated species of amphibians and reptiles.

06/03/2026

Nothing gets by him!

Old video, just posting for funsies!

This guy has been rehabbed and returned home already (:

06/03/2026

I forgot to share this release video from the Garter snake we rehabbed that needed the tail amputation. Enjoy!

🐢 Meet one of the graduates of MARS' Head Start Program!This tiny Eastern box turtle will be joining us this Saturday at...
06/02/2026

🐢 Meet one of the graduates of MARS' Head Start Program!

This tiny Eastern box turtle will be joining us this Saturday at the Kalamazoo Nature Center for our Head Start Turtle Graduation Party, where you'll have the chance to meet baby turtles representing seven of Michigan's native turtle species before they begin their journey back into the wild.
If you look closely at this little one's enclosure, you might notice something that seems a bit strange. Eastern box turtles are a terrestrial species, so why is there a filter inlet dripping water?
The answer is that hatchling box turtles have very different needs than adults. Young box turtles rely on extremely humid environments to stay hydrated and develop properly. In the wild, they spend much of their time hidden beneath damp leaf litter, moss, and other moisture-rich microhabitats. Hatchlings are especially vulnerable to dehydration, and maintaining high humidity helps support healthy growth and shell development.

This enclosure is connected to one of our bog filter aquatic systems, which helps us create the humid conditions these little turtles need while also providing natural biological filtration. It's a great example of how understanding a species' natural history helps us provide the best possible care during their head-start period.

Join us Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Kalamazoo Nature Center to learn about Michigan's native turtles, the challenges they face, how you can help protect them, and the work MARS does to give vulnerable turtles a second chance.

This is NOT a turtle release event, but it will be the final public appearance for our 2026 head-start "Graduates" before they are returned to the wild.
Please note that Kalamazoo Nature Center admission fees apply. Donations to MARS are always appreciated and help make conservation programs like this possible.

Who's excited to meet the Class of 2026? 🎓🐢

At MARS, we provide expert rehabilitation for cold-blooded animals, both wild and domestic. By working alongside a veterinarian, we’re able to ensure that every patient who comes through our doors receives the specialized, compassionate, and often life-saving care they deserve.

This sassy little rat snake recently arrived at MARS after being found by Lavender Moon Garden & Studio with several un...
06/02/2026

This sassy little rat snake recently arrived at MARS after being found by Lavender Moon Garden & Studio with several unusual raised lumps on its scales. While there are a number of possible causes for skin abnormalities in snakes, one concern is Snake Fungal Disease (SFD), an emerging disease that has been documented in multiple wild snake species throughout Michigan.

Because we already have another snake in our care undergoing testing for SFD, we made the decision to admit this patient and collect diagnostic swabs as well. The presence of skin lesions, crusting, swelling, or abnormal lumps can sometimes be associated with the disease, and testing helps us better understand what we're seeing, not just for the individual animal, but for snake populations as a whole.

Snake Fungal Disease is caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophidiicola and can affect many species of snakes. In severe cases, it may lead to significant skin damage, difficulty shedding, facial swelling, reduced ability to hunt, and even death. While not every snake with skin abnormalities has SFD, identifying and tracking cases is critical for understanding how the disease is impacting wild populations.

Wildlife rehabilitators occupy a unique position on the front lines of wildlife health monitoring. Every injured, sick, or abnormal animal that comes through our doors represents an opportunity to gather valuable information that may contribute to broader conservation efforts. Diseases don't respect county lines or property boundaries, and early detection often depends on observations made by people working directly with wildlife.

At MARS, we take that responsibility seriously. Whenever possible, we pursue diagnostic testing for diseases that may have implications beyond a single patient. The information gained from these cases can help researchers, wildlife agencies, veterinarians, and rehabilitators better understand emerging threats facing Michigan's native reptiles and amphibians.

We'll share updates on this snake's results when they become available. In the meantime, this little patient is hanging out with us while we wait for answers.

At MARS, we provide expert rehabilitation for cold-blooded animals, both wild and domestic. By working alongside a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles and amphibians, we’re able to ensure that every patient who comes through our doors receives the specialized, compassionate, and often life-saving care they deserve.

Rehabbed ✅ Released ✅ On Easter Day, a female green frog was brought to MARS after being found injured in the road. We d...
06/01/2026

Rehabbed ✅ Released ✅

On Easter Day, a female green frog was brought to MARS after being found injured in the road. We don't know exactly what happened, but her injuries were devastating. Her throat and lower jaw had been torn open, her tongue was protruding from the wound, and part of her jawbone was broken. At first glance, her chances of survival seemed incredibly slim.
But this little frog had other plans.

Over the following weeks, she received pain management, injectable and topical antibiotics, meticulous wound care, and supportive feeding while she was unable to eat on her own.

Thanks to her determination, the expertise of our veterinary team, and the remarkable healing abilities amphibians possess, she slowly began to recover.

Day by day, the wound closed. New tissue formed. Strength returned.

This weekend I (Kayla) had the honor of releasing her back into the wild, fully healed and ready to continue her life where she belongs.

Cases like hers remind us why wildlife rehabilitation matters. Every animal deserves a chance, no matter how small or how severe their injuries may seem. Watching her disappear into the lily pads was a powerful reminder that hope can come from even the most unlikely circumstances.

Thank you to everyone who supports MARS and makes stories like this possible.

At MARS, we provide expert rehabilitation for cold-blooded animals, both wild and domestic. By working alongside a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles and amphibians, we’re able to ensure that every patient who comes through our doors receives the specialized, compassionate, and often life-saving care they deserve.

06/01/2026

Anyone want to guess how many turtle eggs we currently have in our incubator?

Each clutch has come from a turtle that has ended up in our care after being injured in the wild. Some of the mothers didn't make it, most of them are still with us healing from their injuries. They'll be returned home once they're fixed up! And once their babies hatched they'll be sent home as well 😊

06/01/2026

Last week, we admitted this adorable water snake after he was accidentally snagged by a fishing hook.

The hook injury had torn away some tissue, so our team performed a thorough examination to determine the extent of the damage.
Fortunately, the tissue appeared to involve only muscle, and we found no evidence of internal injury.

After being placed under anesthesia, the wound was carefully cleaned, flushed, and sutured. He recovered beautifully from anesthesia and has continued to do well in the days since his procedure!

While he was anesthetized, we also investigated several suspicious lumps beneath his scales. These turned out to be spargana, the larval stage of certain tapeworms. Water snakes that feed on fish, frogs, and other aquatic prey are particularly susceptible to these parasites. Spargana migrate through tissues and can become lodged beneath the skin and scales, creating visible swellings. Although they can often be removed or treated, wild snakes frequently become reinfected after being released back into their natural habitat due to their normal diet and environment.

Because water snakes are also considered susceptible to snake fungal disease, we took the opportunity to collect a swab sample for testing. While we do not currently suspect snake fungal disease in this patient, we were already submitting samples from two other wild snakes in our care and decided it would be worthwhile to include him as well.

In the meantime, our patient has received injectable antibiotics and pain medications and is being monitored closely as we determine the best treatment plan for his scale parasites. Despite his rough start, he is bright, alert, and continuing to make excellent progress.

Thank you to everyone who helps wildlife by reporting injured animals and bringing them in for care when needed. Every patient gives us another opportunity to learn, help, and conserve Michigan's native wildlife.

At MARS, we provide expert rehabilitation for cold-blooded animals, both wild and domestic. By working alongside a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles and amphibians, we’re able to ensure that every patient who comes through our doors receives the specialized, compassionate, and often life-saving care they deserve.

Last week, we admitted this adorable water snake after he was accidentally snagged by a fishing hook.The hook injury had...
06/01/2026

Last week, we admitted this adorable water snake after he was accidentally snagged by a fishing hook.

The hook injury had torn away some tissue, so our team performed a thorough examination to determine the extent of the damage.
Fortunately, the tissue appeared to involve only muscle, and we found no evidence of internal injury.

After being placed under anesthesia, the wound was carefully cleaned, flushed, and sutured. He recovered beautifully from anesthesia and has continued to do well in the days since his procedure!

While he was anesthetized, we also investigated several suspicious lumps beneath his scales. These turned out to be spargana, the larval stage of certain tapeworms. Water snakes that feed on fish, frogs, and other aquatic prey are particularly susceptible to these parasites. Spargana migrate through tissues and can become lodged beneath the skin and scales, creating visible swellings. Although they can often be removed or treated, wild snakes frequently become reinfected after being released back into their natural habitat due to their normal diet and environment.

Because water snakes are also considered susceptible to snake fungal disease, we took the opportunity to collect a swab sample for testing. While we do not currently suspect snake fungal disease in this patient, we were already submitting samples from two other wild snakes in our care and decided it would be worthwhile to include him as well.

In the meantime, our patient has received injectable antibiotics and pain medications and is being monitored closely as we determine the best treatment plan for his scale parasites. Despite his rough start, he is bright, alert, and continuing to make excellent progress.

Thank you to everyone who helps wildlife by reporting injured animals and bringing them in for care when needed. Every patient gives us another opportunity to learn, help, and conserve Michigan's native wildlife.

At MARS, we provide expert rehabilitation for cold-blooded animals, both wild and domestic. By working alongside a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles and amphibians, we’re able to ensure that every patient who comes through our doors receives the specialized, compassionate, and often life-saving care they deserve.

Yesterday, we released this tiny painted turtle back into the wild!Earlier this spring, this little one was found trappe...
05/31/2026

Yesterday, we released this tiny painted turtle back into the wild!

Earlier this spring, this little one was found trapped under a pool cover. Based on the condition of its shell, we suspect it had been there for quite some time. The turtle showed classic signs of metabolic bone disease, along with shell damage likely caused by chemical exposure. Pool chemicals can dry out the keratin layer of a turtle's shell, leading to discoloration, flaking, and a weak, flexible shell. Damage like this can also increase the risk of infection.

Over the past couple of months, we monitored this turtle closely to ensure it was active, eating well, growing normally, and showing no signs of infection. Fortunately, turtles naturally shed their outer scutes as they grow, and healthy new scutes will gradually replace those that have been bleached or irritated by chemical exposure.

After observing steady improvement, we felt confident this little turtle was ready to continue its recovery in the wild. We released it into suitable habitat, where it immediately reminded us just how curious young turtles can be! It was distracted by every little thing that moved and seemed determined to investigate, and try to eat, everything it encountered. 😆

We think this little one has a bright future ahead. Good luck, tiny turtle! 🐢

At MARS, we provide expert rehabilitation for cold-blooded animals, both wild and domestic. By working alongside a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles and amphibians, we’re able to ensure that every patient who comes through our doors receives the specialized, compassionate, and often life-saving care they deserve.

Rehabbed ✅ Released ✅ At MARS, we provide expert rehabilitation for cold-blooded animals, both wild and domestic. By wor...
05/30/2026

Rehabbed ✅
Released ✅

At MARS, we provide expert rehabilitation for cold-blooded animals, both wild and domestic. By working alongside a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles and amphibians, we’re able to ensure that every patient who comes through our doors receives the specialized, compassionate, and often life-saving care they deserve.

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Oshtemo, MI
49009

Telephone

+16163127412

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