55 Endangered Turtles Released by MassWildlife as Part of Restoration Effort

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Monday, May 29, 2017

GoLocalWorcester News Team

Northern Red-bellied Cooters

MassWildlife officials teaming with members of the public released 55 Northern Red-bellied Cooters, a turtle listed on both federal and state endangered species lists, at the Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area in Hanson.

Last fall, cooter hatchlings were removed from the wild and paired with partnering educational and scientific facilities across the state as part of MassWildlife’s “headstarting” program.

“Headstarting Northern Red-bellied Cooters has been a critical tool in protecting this highly endangered species, and we truly appreciate the support of the volunteers and organizations that assist us with this program. This headstart program is just one of many long-term conservation efforts by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife using sound science to protect, maintain or restore both common and endangered species in Massachusetts,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton.

The turtles were raised in captivity for several months to keep them away from predators during their first year of life.

This latest effort comes as part of Governor Charlie Baker’s administration’s efforts to restore endangered species in Massachusetts.

MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program

The program is responsible for the conservation and protection of the hundreds of species that are not hunted, fished, trapped, or commercially harvested in the state.

The Program's highest priority is protecting the vertebrate and invertebrate animals and native plants listed on the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act list.