The Crafty Wood Turtle

As both its common name and scientific name (Clemmys insculpta) implies, the wood turtle's upper shell looks as though it has been intricately sculptured from a piece of dark wood. After the Eastern box turtle, the wood turtle is Pennsylvania's most terrestrial turtle, although it hibernates under water or mud. It is found throughout Pennsylvania; however, it is more uncommon along the western border of our state.

Wood turtles have an interesting way of hunting earthworms, called "stomping," where they raise themselves up on alternating foreleg then drop to the ground. This stomping technique creates vibrations that cause earthworms to surface and allows the wood turtle to quickly grab them for a meal. Anglers seeking bait can make their own vibrations by putting a stick in the ground and wiggling it back and forth or by running a second notched stick across the first one.

This picture was taken at WPC's Shipley Tract along Sideling Hill Creek, in Bedford County by WPC's Outreach Assistant at Sideling Hill Creek, Mandy Smith. The "sculptured" shell of this older turtle has been worn smooth on top.

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