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  • Will turtle hatchlings still emerge this year?

    Question

    Hello, a midland painted turtle laid eggs in our backyard on June 24th. We've protected the nest with a wire cage (wide enough gaps for the babies to crawl through). It's been 83 days, but no sign of eggs hatching yet. Is this brood most likely to hatch soon, or overwinter?

    Naturalist's Response

    The hatchlings can still emerge in early fall, but sometimes they overwinter in the nest and emerge the following spring.

    I hope this is helpful as you watch and wait. Good question!

    -Naturalist Denise Wolfe