Terrapin Hatchling Stumbling Down Dirt Road
A two-day Atlantic storm which pelted the Cape with cold rain amid northerly gusts yielded a surprise dividend this afternoon. During a period when 5-pound sea turtles are stranding cold-stunned on Cape Cod beaches and mature diamondback terrapins have been tucked away in their winter hibernacula for nearly a month, we were shocked to discover a 4-gram hatchling strolling down the road on Lieutenant Island. Hatchling 90 was roaming as if lost along a dirt road on West Island within shouting distance of the Murphy’s cottage. The nest from whence she emerged could not be located.
Light and Possibily Dehydrated, Still Sporting Egg Tooth
At 2.7 centimeters carapace length, she’s about mid sized, but seems quite light at only 4 grams. Her yolk sac has been mostly absorbed, but her egg tooth remains quite prominent.
Terrapin Hatchling with Eyes Still Closed
Sadly she may be blind. Neither eye has opened, although there is no anomalous growth as witnessed on Hatchling 2-99 from Lieutenant Island last year. She’s resting now and gradually warming in my garage lab. The wet tank has been prepared for her once she becomes more active.