Scientific Illustration

dendroica:

This time of year is the most dangerous time for the turtles — a threatened species in New Jersey — as they slowly emerge from murky rivers and streams after their months-long hibernation and become more active in search of food and mates…. While raids on nests by foxes and raccoons take a heavy toll on young wood turtles, road kills and the illegal collection of turtles by people who take them from their natural habitat for use as pets are the largest threats for the adults, said a state biologist.

(via Father-daughter duo tries to save the world, starting with local turtles | NJ.com)