This week’s highlighted visitor: The Painted Turtle!
A reptile you can spot in ponds, streams, and quiet wetlands, Painted Turtles are colorful creatures with vibrant red and yellow markings on their shells and limbs. These slow-moving turtles bask in the sun on logs or rocks, stretching out their legs and necks to soak up the warmth. Their calm, methodical movements in the water and on land are often interrupted by sudden splashes as they dive to safety, leaving only ripples behind.
Teaneck Creek is home to native populations of both painted and snapping turtles. However, look closely at the turtles. Sometimes, you may see a non-native red-eared slider. These turtles are often former pets that are no longer wanted. Turtles can live to be 80-100 years old, so its critical to ensure a longevity plan for who will take care of turtles once they are no longer yours if you want a turtle as pet.
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