Blanding's Turtle (Photo by NCC)

Blanding's turtle

Blanding’s turtles are medium-sized freshwater turtles.

Identification

Blanding’s turtles have large domed, black shells that can reach up to 28 centimetres in length. They often have tan or yellow markings, but these may be faded or absent in some turtles. The chin and throat are yellow.

Range and habitat

(Click on the image to enlarge)

There is a disjunct population of Blanding’s turtles in Nova Scotia, but most of the species is located in southern Ontario and western Quebec.

Their preferred habitat is restricted to lakes, beaver ponds and wetlands with shallow water and mucky bottoms.

Conservation status

Nova Scotia population: Endangered

Great Lakes/St. Lawrence population: Threatened

How you can help

Blanding's turtles are one of 25 species or landscape options that can be symbolically adopted through NCC’s Gifts of Canadian Nature gift-giving program, which contributes to critical conservation work across the country.

Your gift will help care for habitat that these turtles and other species rely on for their survival.

You will receive a tax receipt for your donation, and you will help protect our country’s natural areas and the species they sustain — for today, tomorrow and for generations to come.

Symbolically adopt a Blanding's turtle today.