Witnessing Nature: Painted Turtles’ Lifeways at Market Lake
Last week at Market Lake Wildlife Management Area, a dramatic scene unfolded as a group of black-billed magpies targeted a Western painted turtle crossing the road. Observing the struggle, I intervened, flipping the turtle right-side-up. After a few moments, the turtle emerged from its shell and made a hasty retreat to the nearby canal, where it settled into the murky depths.
While exploring, I stumbled upon a “bale” of 31 turtles, heads peeking above the water, and spotted several basking on mudbanks. The Western painted turtle, Idaho’s only native turtle, is a cold-blooded species that relies on external heat sources. I watched as younger turtles gathered to sunbathe, while the larger females preferred the safety of water.
These turtles are known for their vibrant shell markings: red, yellow, and green on the plastron, and a dark carapace. Males typically measure six inches, while females can grow up to ten. Interestingly, the sex of the turtles is determined by the temperature of their nest during egg development; warmer conditions tend to produce females.
Breeding takes place between late May and June, with females laying multiple clutches of eggs in warm, south-facing nests. However, only a tiny fraction of the eggs reach maturity, facing threats from predators like foxes and herons.
The observation of these turtles, from male courtship displays to young ones hitching rides on adults, was a heartfelt reminder of the challenges wildlife faces—and offers a chance for introspection for those willing to pause and watch nature in action. As the week progressed, it became clear: gesturing towards the sun not only warmed the turtles but invited all of us to soak in life’s lessons.
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