Margaret

Margaret is an Eastern Musk Turtle, sometimes called a Stinkpot. They weigh less than ½ a lbs, which is about the size of a mango. Eastern Musk Turtles mature within 4-8 years, so Maggie is now an adult female, despite being so small.

Margaret came to Turtle Guardians in the summer of 2022 from a sister facility. She was born in captivity and cannot be released. She may be a valuable breeding turtle in the future as Musk Turtles are in rapid decline due to shoreland development; they are the shore keepers and gardeners of fish nurseries- living by the shore on lakes.

Musk turtles are the only turtles that can breath underwater in the summer months. They hide under waterlilies as tend to their gardens.

Maggie is a wonderful part of the Turtle Guardians team, demonstrating how small is also mighty!