Striped Mud Turtle Recovers From Possible Dog Attack

Editor’s Note: The Striped Mud Turtle is part of the CROW CAW (Case A Week) series, which tells the stories of the patients at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel Island, the dangers they face, and how we can help protect all of our wildlife. Read previous cases here.

The shell of a turtle is a formidable defense, but it is not invincible. This adult male Striped Mud Turtle was found with an open puncture in his shell. Due to the nature of the wound, we suspect that this patient was attacked by a dog or some other predator. The turtle’s coelomic membrane is exposed, which surrounds the organs within the coelom (body cavity). Thankfully, this membrane was not pierced.

The wound was dirty and filled with maggots, so it was quickly cleaned, flushed, and dressed in a silver honey bandage. Silver honey ointment is a very versatile dressing for wound care. It acts as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory and facilitates healing by retaining moisture to promote a healthy wound bed. Turtle shells are made of bone and keratin, so the damage sustained by the puncture wound will heal with time.

This tiny patient is full-grown at 4 inches long – when he hatched, he was the size of a quarter. Striped Mud Turtles are identifiable by the three pale stripes running down the length of their smooth, dark carapace (upper shell). They spend more time on land than other species of mud turtle.

Although Striped Mud Turtles are not listed as threatened or endangered federally, their local populations are vulnerable and this species is part of Florida’s Imperiled Species Management Plan. Like most freshwater species, Striped Mud Turtles have a very low salinity tolerance. When hurricanes Ian, Helene, and Milton flooded inland marshes and rivers with salt water, populations of many freshwater species took a hit. If extreme weather conditions and rising sea levels persist, essential freshwater habitats will become uninhabitable. Once this patient heals and is ready for release, we will find a suitable freshwater habitat where he can thrive once again.