© 2024 WYPR
WYPR 88.1 FM Baltimore WYPF 88.1 FM Frederick WYPO 106.9 FM Ocean City
Donate
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
WYPO 106.9 Eastern Shore is off the air due to routine tower work being done daily from 8a-5p. We hope to restore full broadcast days by 12/15. All streams are operational
Programs
On The Record

Susquehannock Wildlife Society gives wood turtles a 'head start'

By Ashley Sterner,
Maureen Harvie
Published October 11, 2024 at 9:15 AM EDT
Susquehannock Wildlife Society in Harford County is working to protect and restore Maryland’s wood turtle population. This turtle species is threatened by habitat destruction, deforestation, sedimentation of streams, cars, nest predation, and poaching for the illegal pet trade.
1 of 3  — IMG_5140.jpg
Susquehannock Wildlife Society in Harford County is working to protect and restore Maryland’s wood turtle population. This turtle species is threatened by habitat destruction, deforestation, sedimentation of streams, cars, nest predation, and poaching for the illegal pet trade.
Courtesy of Susquehannock Wildlife Society
The turtles are tracked and radio transmitters are attached so nests can be located.
2 of 3  — received_503094364879040.jpeg
The turtles are tracked and radio transmitters are attached so nests can be located.
Courtesy of Susquehannock Wildlife Society
Wood turtle eggs are extracted and hatched in a secure environment. After a few months, the 'headstarted' turtles are released at a weight that gives them a better chance of avoiding predation. With its partners, Susquehannock Wildlife Society has released 18 'headstarted' wood turtles since 2022 and is currently raising a cohort of 8 turtles.
3 of 3  — IMG_0319.jpg
Wood turtle eggs are extracted and hatched in a secure environment. After a few months, the 'headstarted' turtles are released at a weight that gives them a better chance of avoiding predation. With its partners, Susquehannock Wildlife Society has released 18 'headstarted' wood turtles since 2022 and is currently raising a cohort of 8 turtles.
Courtesy of Susquehannock Wildlife Society

Wood turtles are native to much of our state, but like many species, their survival is facing multiple challenges. Susquehannock Wildlife Society in Harford County is working with the Maryland Zoo and the state Department of Natural Resources to protect the future of the wood turtle.

Scott McDaniel, president of the Susquehannock Wildlife Society, and John Garrison, conservation director, explain how radio telemetry helps them find and protect turtle nests.

Links:
Video: Radio telemetry process
Video: Wood turtle stomp behavior
Wood Turtle Research Recap

Tags
On The Record WYPR ProgramsOn the Recordnatureconservation
Ashley Sterner
WYPR's Morning Edition news anchor Ashley Sterner serves up the latest Maryland news and weather every weekday morning, delightfully interspersed with the occasional snarky comment.
See stories by Ashley Sterner
Maureen Harvie
Maureen Harvie is Senior Supervising Producer for On the Record. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and joined WYPR in 2014 as an intern for the newsroom. Whether coordinating live election night coverage, capturing the sounds of a roller derby scrimmage, interviewing veterans, or booking local authors, she is always on the lookout for the next story.
See stories by Maureen Harvie