.Dedicated to the conservation and care of turtles and tortoises.
Mid-Atlantic Turtle & Tortoise Society
Scott McDaniel, MATTS Conservation Committee Chair, shares his documentary "The Wood Turtle - Adrift in a Fragmented World." Scott filmed this video through the Susquehannock Wildlife Society where he serves as President and Founder.
The Wood Turtle, while still seen in Maryland, is only found in isolated pockets. "This is a prime example of a long lived animal where one individual can survive for decades and when found, give us a false sense that the species is numerous and widespread."
This documentary about Eastern Box Turtles in Ohio teaches about the preservation of the turtles. MATTS would like to clarify a few points in the video: Eastern box turtles love water, and will use it to soak after nesting, and although they are poor swimmers, they will swim across creeks, and spend much time soaking in shallow ponds or vernal pools. Box turtles are not federally threatened, although they are considered state endangered or state threatened in SOME states to which they are native. Male box turtles can be very territorial in captivity, and they will use more than an acre.
The Susquehannock Wildlife Society shares some of the dangers of turtle and frog derbies. These races, while part of the local celebration for decades, appear fun for the reptiles and amphibians involved, but the sad truth is that they're likely running for their lives. Disease and inadvertent mistreatment of the animals have taken their toll on many of the species involved and threaten the future of local wildlife.
"The Monster You Made" (produced by MATTS' Adoption Coordinator Katrina Smith) highlights the tragic results of uninformed pet owners who lack proper knowledge of species care.
If your Turtle or Tortoise looks anything like those in this video and you are in the Mid-Atlantic area PLEASE contact us immediately for help!
This is an eastern box turtle with a pharyngostomy tube. A pharyngostomy tube is inserted by an experienced veterinarian while the turlte is under anesthesia. It's used when a turtle is unable to eat due to an extended illness or injury, such as when the jaw is broken if the turtle has been hit by a car. A liquid slurry (food) is added via a syringe at the broad end of the tube (where the white cap is located), and the tube extends into the stomach. It's much easier and less stressful than trying to force feed a turtle. When the turtle is well enough to eat on his own, he can eat if he wants to even if the tube is still there, as in this video. The tube will be removed during an office visit at the vet clinic.