PBS Animal Spotlight: Turtles

Turtles are a unique group of animals that live from the driest desert to the deep ocean. Some of our native turtles here are the Western Pond Turtle and the Desert Tortoise, which you can see here at Turtle Bay.

The Western Pond Turtle is a native species that was once widespread across Northern California. Now their numbers are dwindling due to invasive species like the Red-Eared Slider and habitat degradation. 

Desert Tortoises are native to the Mojave Desert and they can survive temperatures of over 130 degrees. Desert Tortoises are amazing animals and can live over 100 years. Our Desert Tortoise here, Mojave, is over 50 years old. 

Turtles live in the water, while tortoises live on land. Our turtles here at Turtle Bay are rescues and many of them were pets that cannot go back out in the wild.

If you see a turtle out in the wild, just leave it be. Turtles actually migrate to other ponds and it’s best if you leave them alone. It’s neat to observe wildlife but it’s better to look and not touch. 

You can help support Turtle Bay’s efforts by sponsoring this or any of our other animal ambassadors through our Adopt-An-Animal program.

As seen on KIXE-TV Channel 9