Making way for turtles in an off-leash dog park It’s not easy being a turtle in Portland’s biggest off-leash dog park. In the Sandy River Delta Park, just 15 miles out of town, the Sandy River Basin Watershed Council has been busy yanking out non-native, invasive plants and erecting temporary fences — creating safe nesting spots for the yellow-striped reptiles that have lived here for

Talkin’ Terrapins with Professor Randy Chambers Wetlands bog man. Lake Matoaka arsonist. Dr. Pepper enthusiast. Dr. Randy Chambers has acquired several identities throughout his time at the College of William and Mary as a professor of biology and director of the Keck Environmental Field Lab. He is likely most known for his dedication toward diamondback terrapins, a species of turtle. However, Chambers has not always

Hicatee Workshop Held In Belize Along With the TSA While the Hicatee, Dermatemys mawii, was on the brink of extinction not so long ago, the species is doing way better today thanks to huge collaboration efforts and commitment from the TSA, Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education (BFREE), the Belize Fisheries Department, and the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. I strongly encourage you to read

Camera flashes dangerous to sea turtles Wildlife officials are urging people not to take pictures of sea turtles at night with a flash camera. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is calling it a “new 21st century hazard.” Taking photos of sea turtles using a flash can interfere with nesting. “It’s great that people are enjoying Florida’s beaches and are enthusiastic about our sea

Sea Turtle Recovering from Cataract Surgery, Another Preparing A giant sea turtle is recuperating after cataract surgery at NC State, and another one is about to do the same. The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Surf City is caring for “Kayak” and “Sewee” before they can be released back to sea. Shortly after being transported to the center, staff noticed Kayak

Butchered Turtles Found in Ancient Grave In Turkey, archaeologists found 17 butchered soft-shelled turtles in the grave of a woman. Because river turtles were not a typical Mesopotamian meal, they think they have been used or eaten in a funeral ritual. The turtles were found at an ancient site that is about to disappear for a hydroelectric project Turtle News From Around the World Biology

Durham surgeon stitches sea turtles back together Just as surgeon Mike Grafinger was putting in the final sutures, his patient started to wake up. “This, unfortunately, is the reality of sea turtle anesthesia,” N.C. Aquariums veterinarian Emily Christiansen said. After the turtle lost consciousness again, Grafinger finished repairing its lacerated flipper. He carefully threaded a metal wire back and forth between the torn pieces, suturing