International Turtle Patrol East Coast Division, Willow Grove , NJ

10/29/2025

Turtles and tortoises are both reptiles from the same order, but they thrive in different habitats.
Turtles live mostly in the water, with flat, streamlined shells and flippers that help them swim efficiently.
Tortoises, by contrast, live on land, with dome-shaped shells and strong, sturdy legs built for walking.
Turtles are omnivores that eat both plants and small animals, while tortoises feed mainly on vegetation.
Despite their differences, both share a tough shell, a slow pace, and an ancient lineage that connects them as close evolutionary relatives.

10/29/2025

10/29/2025

This Wood Turtle, nicknamed Chippy, was already missing a foot when she was clipped by haying equipment five years ago. She spends most of her time in the field where she was injured, and we have seen other Wood Turtles using the field as well.

We are pleased to report that the landowner recently signed a letter of intent to enroll the field into a conservation easement, will stop haying it, and allow the Natural Resources Conservation Service to restore the natural wetland habitat. Chippy will never cross paths with a tractor again.

10/28/2025

10/27/2025

10/25/2025

A sea turtle's flipper is built much like our own arm! They have a humerus, radius, ulna, and finger bones. Scientists can even use the humerus rings to tell how old a turtle is using a process called Skeletochronology!

Image citation:
Florida Atlantic University. (2023, July 17). [Sea turtle photo]. In Turtle-y awesome traits. Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. https://biology.fau.edu/news/turtle-y-awesome-traits/index.php
This conservation work for protected sea turtles in the northern Outer Banks is authorized by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (ES Permit 25ST10).