10/19/2026
Our Wood Turtle babies are growing up, and we couldn't be more excited about their progress! These tiny conservation ambassadors have doubled their hatch weights already and are absolutely thriving.
Wood Turtles are listed as a species of greatest conservation concern in Michigan, and their populations face serious threats from habitat loss, road mortality, illegal collection, and nest predation.
Unlike many other turtles, Wood Turtles spend a considerable amount of time on land, wandering through forests, meadows, and streamside habitats. They're known for their beautiful shells, their intelligence and their fascinating behaviors. Unfortunately though, the species is struggling across much of their native range. They take many years to reach reproductive maturity, and relatively few hatchlings survive long enough to become breeding adults. Losing even a small number of adult turtles can have devastating consequences for a population.
That's where our little ones come in!
Rather than sending these tiny hatchlings into their first Michigan winter, we've chosen to keep them with us in a carefully managed environment where we can monitor their health, provide proper nutrition, and help them gain size and strength. By giving vulnerable hatchlings a protected start, we hope to improve their chances of surviving those especially dangerous early stages of life. In the spring they'll be returned to their native habitat, the very same area where their mother was originally found. Our goal is to give them the best possible opportunity to return to the wild and contribute to future generations.
If you look closely at our photos, you'll notice that each baby has a teeny-tiny numbered tag attached to its shell! These little tags are part of our own research and recordkeeping. Each turtle has its own identification number, allowing us to follow its individual growth and development. We regularly weigh and measure each hatchling, documenting its progress and watching for any changes that might require attention. We attach each tag using a minuscule drop of the same type of epoxy we use when repairing damaged turtle shells.
Fun fact: Those tiny numbered tags are actually designed for beekeepers to identify their queen bees!
We specifically chose this method rather than shell notching because these tags can be removed, allowing us to identify each turtle without creating a permanent hole in their shell. The tags will be removed before these babies return to the wild.
📣 Calling All Turtle Researchers and Conservation Partners 📣
We would absolutely LOVE the opportunity to take this project one step further!
One of the biggest questions in turtle conservation is what happens AFTER rehabilitated or over-wintered turtles are released.
Do they survive? Where do they travel? What habitats do they choose? How far do they disperse?
These are incredibly important questions, and radio telemetry can help researchers begin answering them.
Unfortunately, specialized tracking equipment and the monitoring that goes along with it can be expensive, particularly when working with such small animals and they require government approval.
So, we're hoping to connect with turtle researchers, universities, conservation organizations, or wildlife biologists who might be interested in collaborating with us!
If you or someone you know is involved in turtle research and has access to appropriately sized radio transmitters, equipment, and the resources needed for post-release monitoring, we would love to talk!
And It's Not Just Wood Turtles.
MARS is currently caring for hatchlings representing every other native Michigan turtle species, including Blanding's Turtles and Eastern Box Turtles, with the exception of Spotted Turtles.
These animals also represent potential opportunities for meaningful post-release conservation research.
If there's a legitimate conservation or research need, we're interested in exploring partnerships that could allow these turtles to contribute to a better understanding of their species after release.
Watching these babies grow has been incredibly rewarding. But knowing that they may someday contribute not only to their wild populations, but also to our understanding of how to better protect Michigan's turtles, makes this work even more meaningful.
Please share this post! You never know who might see it and help us make a valuable conservation connection.
At MARS, we provide rehabilitation for cold-blooded animals, both wild and domestic. By working alongside a veterinarian who focuses on 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.
