Bog Turtle Boost
Did you know that the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and other government agencies have been working to boost the population and protect the habitat of a small, semi-aquatic, long-lived turtle called the bog turtleThe bog turtle is threatened across its range, from Georgia to the lower New England states, and all but extinct in Georgia because they require very specific environmental conditions to ensure their survival. Their preferred habitat — open, level land in mountain bogs — is in short supply since most mountain bog wetlands in North Georgia have been drained and converted to other uses such as roads, reservoirs and farms. These rare turtles were first discovered in North Georgia in 1979 when one was found in a trap set for grouse. Bog turtles may live 20 to 30 years and often spend their entire lives in the wetlands where they were hatched. Spring, summer and early fall are the most active seasons for bog turtles as they mate, lay eggs, and feed on berries, insects, crayfish and tadpoles. Bog turtles, like many habitat specialists, are often barometers of the quality of wildlife habitats in an ever-changing environment.
Viewer Tip: When you see a turtle crossing the road, it is very often an eastern box turtle, not a bog turtle. If you move the turtle off the road, make sure to move it in the direction in which it was heading. Moving it to the side from which it just came will often cause the turtle to attempt to cross the road again. Also, remember that it is unlawful to possess or remove turtles from the wild. If you see anyone removing them, contact the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
This information was provided by the Georgia Wildlife Federation. For more information, visit www.gwf.org.
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
(Sources: Pennsylvania Angler and Boater, www.fish.state.pa.us/education/catalog/ab/bogturtle/bogturtl.htm; Georgia Department of Natural Resources, www.georgiawildlife.dnr.state.ga.us)
