Help Save the Box Turtles!

As I write this, the rain falls down noisily onto the roof of the cabin while the birds still continue their song; Spring is near. As nature comes alive once again, so does the activity of our beloved Eastern box turtles. 

I have been a wildlife conservation intern at Piedmont Wildlife Center for almost a month, yet I have already learned so much during my time here. Easily my favorite responsibility as an intern is to play turtle-tracker, despite the seven turtles we currently track being underground, or “brumating”, during the winter season. 

However, out of sight does not mean out of mind with the radio telemetry project. Turtle tracking will soon ramp up as the temperatures warm and our favorite reptiles emerge from their leaf-litter hiding places. This season of tracking is already proving to be an interesting one as my last outing to turtle-track led me to the discovery of a transmitter without a turtle. What could have happened to this turtle? Is it still nearby? What is its story? Hopefully, on my next outing to the area where this turtle resides, I will find some answers to my many questions.

As vexing as it was to try and hypothesize the whereabouts of this turtle, it is exciting to realize that a new story may begin for the next turtle we outfit with the now turtle-less transmitter. I look forward to being a part of the new beginning for that lucky Eastern box turtle who will have its story told through the beeps and blinking lights of the radio receiver.

Spring marks new beginnings, and I look forward to taking advantage of many new beginnings at the Piedmont Wildlife Center. Your contribution to this program is integral to its accomplishments and new beginnings; thank you for helping the Box Turtle Connection project live on!

Links:

• Become a Triangle Turtle Trekker