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CAUTION <br />BLANDING’S TURTLES <br />MAY BE ENCOUNTERED <br />IN THIS AREA <br />The unique and rare Blanding’s turtle has been found in this area. Blanding’s turtles are state-listed <br />as Threatened and are protected under Minnesota Statute 84.095, Protection of Threatened and <br />Endangered Species. Please be careful of turtles on roads and in construction sites. For additional <br />information on turtles, or to report a Blanding’s turtle sighting, contact the DNR Nongame Specialist <br />nearest you: Bemidji (218-308-2653); Grand Rapids (218-327-4518); New Ulm (507-359-6033); <br />Rochester (507-206-2820); or St. Paul (651-259-5772). <br />DESCRIPTION <br />: The Blanding’s turtle is a medium to large turtle (5 to 10 inches) with a black or dark <br />blue, dome-shaped shell with muted yellow spots and bars. The bottom of the shell is hinged across <br />the front third, enabling the turtle to pull the front edge of the lower shell firmly against the top shell to <br />provide additional protection when threatened. The head, legs, and tail are dark brown or blue-gray <br />with small dots of light brown or yellow. A distinctive field mark is the bright yellow chin and neck. <br />BLANDING’S TURTLES DO NOT MAKE GOOD PETS <br />IT IS ILLEGAL TO KEEP THIS THREATENED SPECIES IN CAPTIVITY <br />