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Two-headed diamondback terrapin discovery on Cape Cod

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2026-09-24 19:10 UTC → 2026-09-30 18:13 UTC · added removed

A rare two-headed diamondback terrapin hatchling was discovered at a protected nesting site in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod. The specimen, weighing approximately 5.2 grams, a Malaclemys terrapin, was found by Mass Audubon workers at the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and moved transferred to the Cape Cod Wildlife Center in Barnstable for specialized care. on September 17. The condition, bicephaly, is an embryonic anomaly where head structures are duplicated. This occurs duplicated due to incomplete separation during early embryonic stages when Siamese twins fail development. The hatchling, weighing approximately 4.89 grams upon arrival, has shown encouraging signs of health, including swimming, eating, and responding to fully separate. stimuli. Veterinarians have noted that both heads possess active brains and the hatchling is exhibiting normal behavior. Experts Specialists are monitoring the animal’s appetite, growth, and motor coordination coordination. To better understand the hatchling’s internal anatomy, veterinarians plan to study use X-rays and CT scans once the turtle is larger to determine how much the two heads share internal organs and single body function together. 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 it has recorded only two other cases this is the third case of this anomaly in to arrive at the past five center within the last six years.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-30 18:13 UTC Two-headed diamondback terrapin discovery on Cape Cod
  2. 2026-09-24 19:10 UTC Two-headed diamondback terrapin discovery on Cape Cod
  3. 2026-09-23 19:49 UTC Two-headed diamondback terrapin discovery on Cape Cod

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