Each spring, the ODNR Division of Wildlife District Office in Xenia has a nest of painted turtles hatch in flower beds by the parking lot. Normally, young turtles should not be handled. But in the past, hatchlings have tried crossing the parking lot where they risk getting hit by cars. This year, staff wanted to keep the turtles safe and assisted them in getting to their destination at a nearby pond.
Even though painted turtles hatch from their eggs in September, the turtle hatchlings do not emerge from the nest until the following spring. Baby painted turtles do not head to the water and spend the winter at the bottom of ponds as other young turtles do. Instead, they “freeze solid,” withstanding temperatures as cold as -10°C under a layer of sand/dirt and snow. A special protein produced by the turtle’s liver allows ice crystals to develop in a uniform manner within the baby turtle’s body. They also produce a natural antifreeze that prevents the cells from freezing and becoming damaged. Thus, only the water out outside of the cells is actually frozen. Wildlife has some amazing adaptations!
Learn more about what you can do if you notice a turtle potentially in danger: wildohio.gov/staywild