In 2007 we used baited hoop traps and visual encounter surveys to search for the state endangered Blanding’s Turtle at NCWMS
In 1614 trap hours we captured:
– 23 Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina)
–57 Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta)
During approximately 12 man hours of visual encounter surveys we observed:
– Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)
– Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens)
– Green frog (Lithobates clamitans)
– American toad (Anaxyrus americanus)
– Garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)
– Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta)
Although no Blanding’s Turtles were captured or observed, there are records of them in the area and the habitat is suitable.
In 2016 we conducted 40 person-hours of visual encounter surveys. We used minnow traps to survey spring breeding amphibians in 5 of the ponds, and baited hoop traps to survey turtles in the permanent pond on the site.
We encountered 9 species:
– Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
– Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)
– Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens)
– Green frog (Lithobates clamitans)
– American toad (Anaxyrus americanus)
– Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis)
– Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta)
On a nearby property two additional species were detected:
– Plains Gartersnake (Thamnophis radix )
– Smooth Greensnake (Opheodrys vernalis)