Turtles have been roaming the earth for over 200 million years, outlasting dinosaurs and adapting to a constantly changing world. As the most ancient of all living reptiles, turtles are the only ones with a shell, providing them with natural armor. These slow-moving yet resilient creatures play a crucial role in North America's ecosystems—but they need our help!
By making simple, impactful changes to your yard, you can support local turtle populations and give them a safe space to thrive. Here’s how to garden for turtles.
Meet the Turtles of North America
Did you know that North America is home to over 50 species of turtles? These turtles generally fall into three main categories:
• Freshwater turtles – Found in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers.
• Terrestrial turtles – Prefer to roam woodlands and fields.
• Sea turtles – Live in coastal waters and open seas.
Each type has unique adaptations for survival, from webbed feet for swimming to domed shells for protection on land.
Common Turtles You Might See
If you've ever come across a turtle in your backyard or a nearby park, it was likely one of these species:
• Painted Turtle – The most colorful and widespread aquatic turtle, known for its bright red and yellow markings.
• Snapping Turtle – Prehistoric-looking with a powerful bite, typically found in murky waters.
• Box Turtle – A land-dwelling turtle with a high-domed shell, commonly seen in yards and gardens.
• Red-Eared Slider – A popular pet that has become an invasive species in many areas.
Turtle Anatomy & Life Cycle
Turtles may seem simple, but their anatomy is anything but! Their shells are actually part of their skeleton—made up of 60 joined bones, including their ribcage and spine. The shell consists of two parts:
• Carapace – The upper part of the shell.
• Plastron – The lower part of the shell.
Most turtles have bony shells covered by keratin scutes (the same material as our fingernails), and despite what cartoons might suggest, turtles cannot crawl out of their shells!
Life Cycle of a Turtle
Female turtles lay eggs in sandy or soft soil, and the hatchlings instinctively head toward water or shelter, depending on their species. Some species even overwinter in the nest and emerge in early spring! Turtles that survive can live for decades—some for over 100 years. The Eastern Box Turtle holds the record for the longest lifespan in North America, sometimes exceeding a century in the wild.
The Importance of Turtles in the Ecosystem
Turtles play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem health. As omnivores, they consume a mix of plants, insects, fish, and carrion, helping to control populations and keep aquatic environments clean. Some even play a role in seed dispersal!
However, turtles face many threats, including habitat destruction, road mortality, and illegal pet trade. Historically, some species, like the Diamondback Terrapin, were nearly wiped out due to over-harvesting for food.
Do Turtles Bite?
Yes! All turtles can bite, but not all bites are equal. While most species are docile, snapping turtles have incredibly strong jaws, capable of delivering a powerful bite. If you handle a turtle, always ensure its head is facing away from you!
How to Make Your Yard Turtle-Friendly
Creating a turtle-friendly yard is easier than you think. Here are some ways to help:
Provide Habitat
Leave areas of leaf litter and logs for shelter.
If you have a pond or wetland nearby, keep it natural and free from pollutants.
Create a nesting area by keeping a sunny patch of soil or sand open for female turtles to lay eggs.
Avoid Pesticides & Chemicals
Turtles are sensitive to pollutants. Reduce or eliminate pesticide and herbicide use to keep their environment safe.
Be a Turtle Crossing Guard
Turtles often travel long distances to find nesting sites. If you see a turtle crossing the road:
Help it cross in the direction it was heading.
Never relocate a turtle to a different area. They have strong homing instincts and may not survive if displaced.
Provide Water Sources
If you have a pond, ensure it has gradual slopes so turtles can easily enter and exit. Native aquatic plants also provide food and shelter.
Keep Pets in Check
Dogs and cats can pose a threat to turtles, especially hatchlings. If you find a turtle in your yard, keep pets away and observe from a distance.
Fun Turtle Facts
Turtles don’t have teeth! Instead, they have beak-like mouths for gripping and slicing food.
Some turtles can climb! Eastern box turtles and snapping turtles have been known to scale fences.
Certain species, like the Painted Turtle, can breathe through their butts during hibernation!
Female turtles can store sperm for years, allowing them to lay fertilized eggs even if they haven’t mated recently.
Final Thoughts
Turtles have survived for millions of years, but they now face serious threats due to human activity. By making small changes in our own backyards, we can create safe havens for these ancient reptiles and support their survival for generations to come.
Have you spotted a turtle in your yard? Let us know in the comments, and share how you're making your outdoor space more turtle-friendly!
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