Photo courtesy of the West Virginia Department of Commerce

WVDNR launches citizen science project to document box turtles

ELKINS, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has launched a citizen science project to track the distribution of eastern box turtles across the state and is asking the public to report sightings of this important but declining reptile.

Reporting box turtle sightings can be done by using geographic coordinates on DNR’s map at tinyurl.com/wvboxturtle. Submitting a photo of the turtle is encouraged. People can also use the Survey 123 mobile app to provide the same information and upload photos.

“Box turtles are declining range-wide and understanding their current distribution is critical to taking effective conservation action,” said Kevin Oxenrider, amphibian and reptile program leader for DNR. “So, we’re interested in all observations, whether the turtle is dead or alive. This includes turtles encountered around your home, on the road and along hiking trails.”

The decline in box turtle populations is linked to habitat fragmentation, emerging disease, road mortality and illegal collection. Popularity as pets and attractive shell patterning make box turtles a target of poachers. Road mortality is a problem in the spring and fall when they’re on the move.

“We ask that if you see a box turtle or any turtle on the road, make sure you are in a safe location and are not blocking traffic before you do anything to help,” said Oxenrider. “If you do stop and help a turtle, gently lift the turtle on either side of the shell and move it to the side of the road in the direction the turtle was facing.”

Taking a box turtle with you to release in a different location, such as a farm or other property, is not only illegal but can be dangerous to other box turtles. Oxenrider said moving animals often spreads wildlife disease.

Information gained from this project will allow DNR to better manage box turtle populations and focus conservation and outreach efforts. Contact information of survey participants and locations of box turtles will not be shared publicly in order to protect people’s privacy and box turtles around the state.

For more information about box turtles and other wildlife, visit wvdnr.gov.

Featured

SHOPS & SERVICES

Upshur County Courthouse

County approves $11.5-million-dollar budget, which includes several earmarked ARPA-funded projects

BUCKHANNON – The Upshur County Commission’s budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year saw increases in the regional jail bill and increases to PEIA premiums, but commissioners were still able to provide 3 percent raises across elected officials’ departments. Upshur County […]

Become a premium member to unlock immediate access to this story and thousands more. Plus you’ll wake up every morning to our email edition. Your subscription supports local news by local writers. Signing up is easy — just tap the button below!

SHOPS & SERVICES

Baseball Bucs improve to 3-0 with 17-7 win over North Marion

TENNERTON – Three games, three 10-run mercy rule victories. The season couldn’t be off to a better start for Buckhannon-Upshur head baseball coach Adam Squires and his Buccaneers after downing the North Marion Huskies by a 17-7 score in five […]

Become a premium member to unlock immediate access to this story and thousands more. Plus you’ll wake up every morning to our email edition. Your subscription supports local news by local writers. Signing up is easy — just tap the button below!

Lacrosse Bucs pick up first win defeating St. Albans late, 6-5

ST. ALBANS – The Buckhannon-Upshur Buccaneer lacrosse team rallied in the second half for a 6-5 victory over the homestanding St. Albans Dragons Thursday night. It was the first victory of the year for the Bucs as they improved to […]

Become a premium member to unlock immediate access to this story and thousands more. Plus you’ll wake up every morning to our email edition. Your subscription supports local news by local writers. Signing up is easy — just tap the button below!

Lacrosse Lady Bucs fall in debut to University, 15-7

TENNERTON – The Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Buc lacrosse team dropped their season opener to University by a 15-7 score Wednesday evening at Freal “Red” Crites Memorial Stadium. Kendall Defibaugh led the Buckhannon-Upshur scoring attack with three goals while Maya Garcia contributed […]

Become a premium member to unlock immediate access to this story and thousands more. Plus you’ll wake up every morning to our email edition. Your subscription supports local news by local writers. Signing up is easy — just tap the button below!

Lady Buc netters edged by Minutemaids, 4-3

TENNERTON – The Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Buc tennis team was oh so close to picking up a home win against the Lewis County Minutemaids in a 4-3 setback Wednesday evening at the West Virginia Wesleyan courts. After doubles action, the Lady […]

Become a premium member to unlock immediate access to this story and thousands more. Plus you’ll wake up every morning to our email edition. Your subscription supports local news by local writers. Signing up is easy — just tap the button below!

SHOPS & SERVICES

Upshur Stars recognized at recent Board of Education meeting

BUCKHANNON — Buckhannon-Upshur High School and Fred Eberle Technical Center students were recognized at a recent Upshur County Board of Education meeting for their excellence in recent competitions. B-UHS swim coaches Mrs. Jennifer Bennett and Mr.