Moving Catch-22

“Catch-22” is a Northern red-bellied cooter, an endangered species of fresh-water turtle native to Massachusetts.  NMLC is a partner with MassWildlife in their efforts to restore the species.  We admitted Catch in June because of white lesions on his carapace.  Through testing, we’ve identified the lesions as a fungal infection but three different diagnostic laboratories disagree as to the type of fungus.  So far, the infection hasn’t responded to treatment so we can’t release Catch back into the wild this year.  As we now will be keeping Catch over the winter, we’ve moved him to a larger tank.

Many thanks to volunteers Wendy and Linda who worked hard to clean up and set up this new, donated tank!  Catch seems very pleased with his new digs.

To follow Catch’s progress, read the latest Rounds Notes by NMLC Veterinarian Dr. Rogers Williams.

To donate to Catch’s recovery, click here.