Bog Turtle

The Bog Turtle is one of the rarest reptiles in the US hence it being federally protected. It is also one of the smallest and most secretive. They are found in a rather unique ecosystem known as mountain bogs. There are only two that occur in Surry Co. and both support Bog Turtles. Below is a photo of one of the sites in western Surry Co. Both populations have been studied and montored through a federally funded program.

This species is rarely found basking and spends most of its time in the mud of the bog.