Two-headed diamondback terrapin discovered on Cape Cod

A rare two-headed diamondback terrapin has been discovered at a protected nesting site in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. The small animal, weighing approximately 5.2 grams, was rescued by the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and transported to the Cape Cod Wildlife Center for specialized care.

The condition, known as bicephaly, occurs when conjoined twins fail to fully separate during development. While this anomaly is more common in reptiles like turtles and snakes, this marks only the second recorded case in the last five years. Experts note that many animals with this condition die young due to physical challenges such as competing for food or mutual aggression.

Veterinary teams are currently monitoring the terrapin’s appetite, growth, and behavior to study how the two heads and single body function together. Diamondback terrapins are considered a threatened species in Massachusetts, adding to the significance of the find.