Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta), a Threatened Species in Wisconsin, prefers rivers and streams with adjacent riparian wetlands and upland deciduous forests. This species often forages in open wet meadows or in shrub-carrs dominated by speckled alder. They overwinter in streams and rivers in deep holes or undercut banks where there is enough water flow to prevent freezing. This semi-terrestrial species typically remains within 300m of rivers and streams. Wood turtles become active in spring as soon as the ice is gone and air temperatures reach around 50 deg. F, which can occur as early as mid-March. They may remain active into late-October but have been observed active and breeding under the ice. Although they can breed at any time of year, breeding usually occurs in the spring or fall. Nesting usually begins in late-May in southern Wisconsin and early-June in the north and continues throughout June. They nest in open or semi-open canopy areas containing gravelly or sandy soils, typically within 61m of open water. Young hatch in 55-75 days (mid-July to mid-September) depending on air temperatures. This species does not overwinter in nests, unlike some Wisconsin turtle species. See the species guidance document for avoidance measures and management guidance from the Natural Heritage Conservation Program.
