It all began with a discovery by one of our turtle monitoring technicians, part of WPC’s endangered species recovery team for at risk wildlife here in the Fraser Valley area of BC. During their nightly shift monitoring for nesting turtles, protecting nests and collecting data for our long-term program, our staff noticed a western painted turtle with extensive scars across it carapace, the back part of the turtle shell. Without hesitation, staff carefully transported the injured turtle back to our rearing and rehabilitation center for a veterinary visit and wellness check.

Upon arrival, the turtle was promptly examined by our staff and the vet. The turtle was 18-2789 one of the turtles we follow from our historic population as part of our monitoring program. We gently cleaned the wounds and assessed the extent of the damage. Miraculously, despite the injury, the turtle was bright and alert and the wounds seemed superficial—a testament to its inherent will to survive.

The wounds are likely the result of a group of playful otters, who don’t often eat the turtles but do find them to be interesting toys! The scratches and scrapes will take some time to heal, nothing happens too quickly with turtles, but she was fine to go back to the wetland. Good thing too because she has eggs she needs to lay!