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3 clusters · 7 sources · 10 days · First seen · Last updated

Two-headed diamondback terrapin discovery on Cape Cod

Overview

A rare two-headed diamondback terrapin hatchling was discovered at a protected nesting site in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod. The specimen, a Malaclemys terrapin, was found by Mass Audubon workers at the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and transferred to the Cape Cod Wildlife Center in Barnstable on September 17.

The condition, bicephaly, is an embryonic anomaly where head structures are duplicated due to incomplete separation during early development. The hatchling, weighing approximately 4.89 grams upon arrival, has shown encouraging signs of health, including swimming, eating, and responding to stimuli. Veterinarians have noted that both heads possess active brains and the hatchling is exhibiting normal behavior.

Specialists are monitoring the animal’s appetite, growth, and motor coordination. To better understand the hatchling’s internal anatomy, veterinarians plan to use X-rays and CT scans once the turtle is larger to determine how much the two heads share internal organs and anatomical structures. Zach Mertz, CEO of New England Wildlife Centers, observed behavioral differences, noting that the left head appears to have a ‘greater personality.’

This discovery is significant as diamondback terrapins are considered a threatened species in Massachusetts. The Cape Cod Wildlife Center noted that this is the third case of this anomaly to arrive at the center within the last six years.

Entities

Cape Wildlife Center · Cape Cod · Mass Audubon · New England Wildlife Centers · Cape Cod Wildlife Center

Timeline

  1. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Cape Cod: Two-headed turtle hatchling discovered

    A rare two-headed Malaclemys terrapin turtle was discovered on Cape Cod. Despite its unusual anatomy, the hatchling is eating and swimming while specialists monitor its development.

  2. [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Diamondback terrapin with two heads discovered in Massachusetts

    A rare two-headed diamondback terrapin hatchling, weighing 5.2 grams, was discovered in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, and is receiving specialized care at the Cape Wildlife Center.

  3. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Two-headed diamondback terrapin discovered on Cape Cod

    A rare two-headed diamondback terrapin was discovered in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, and is being monitored by wildlife experts at the Cape Cod Wildlife Center.

Sources

animaux.jhm-blogs.fr · corfutvnews.gr · dexerto.com · nsctotal.com.br · tag24.com · tothemaonline.com · ultimosegundo.ig.com.br

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history