Turtles have fascinated people for millennia and occupy a special place across many of the world’s cultures. They also occupy special places in their respective ecosystems and are considered to be the among the most threatened group of vertebrates globally. Maine is home to 7 species of freshwater turtles, from the small and secretive spotted turtle to the unmistakable and ornery common snapping turtle. We will hear from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s lead biologist on reptiles, Derek Yorks, about Maine’s freshwater turtle species, including those which are threatened.
Derek Yorks, M.S., Wildlife Biologist – Derek serves as the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s lead biologist on reptile issues where he coordinates research and conservation efforts on several priority rare species.
Derek is currently focused on assessing the distribution, status, and management needs of black racer snakes, Blanding’s, spotted, and wood turtles in Maine, coordinating Maine’s efforts around these species with those of several working groups in the Northeast. Derek is also studying and guiding mitigation recommendations for the impacts of roadways on Maine’s reptiles and amphibians.
This event is FREE and open to the public.
Registration is required to receive the Zoom link for the virtual presentation.
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