SHOCKING! Rare Animal Found in Bay Area After 30 Years!

A recent sighting at Muir Woods National Monument marked a significant milestone in the conservation efforts of the northwestern pond turtle, a species that has been largely absent from this area for decades. The discovery was made by a dedicated volunteer who spotted Turtle No. 9, basking on a logjam in Redwood Creek. This resilient reptile had undertaken a remarkable journey, traveling five miles upstream over two months to reach this serene spot.

For the National Park Service staff, this was more than just an unexpected encounter—it was a clear indication that the ongoing restoration work in Redwood Creek is bearing fruit. The presence of Turtle No. 9 in this environment signals that the habitats, both downstream and upstream, are becoming suitable once again for native wildlife.

The northwestern pond turtle, a semi-aquatic species, is one of California’s last two native freshwater turtles. With an omnivorous diet and a lifespan that can reach up to 50 years, this species is currently listed as a “species of special concern.” Its survival depends on the concerted efforts of a broad coalition of agencies, volunteers, and experts, all working together to create a thriving ecosystem.

Darren Fong, an aquatic ecologist with the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, has been involved in this project from the beginning. “At this point we just call them by numbers,” Fong explained. The turtles, which were raised at the San Francisco Zoo, were originally given names by the zoo staff, often inspired by electric vehicles like Tesla, Leaf, and Prius.

The story of Turtle No. 9 began in 2015 when its mother was tragically hit by a car in San Rafael. Fortunately, WildCare, a wildlife hospital based in Marin, was able to salvage her eggs. These eggs were then entrusted to the San Francisco Zoo, where they were carefully nurtured from hatchlings to juveniles.

At the age of two, Turtle No. 9, along with other turtles from Point Reyes, was fitted with a tiny transmitter and released into the lagoon at Muir Beach. This location had once supported a population of northwestern pond turtles, making it an ideal release site. Fong and his team benefited from the expertise of Nick Geist, a professor at Sonoma State University, who had previously worked on a similar project at Mountain Lake Park.

 

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Over the years, Muir Beach and Rodeo Lagoon have become the release sites for numerous turtles, with 42 juveniles introduced to Muir Beach between 2017 and 2021, and another 20 to 30 turtles released at Rodeo Lagoon. The transmitters, though essential for tracking the turtles’ movements, come with challenges. They are costly, and their batteries last only about a year, making long-term monitoring difficult. Additionally, the turtles’ elusive nature adds to the challenge of recapture and data collection.

Despite these obstacles, Fong remains optimistic about the future of the northwestern pond turtle population. The ultimate goal is to establish a self-sustaining population, and there are signs that this goal is within reach. “We’re getting to that mark where the females that we released are at a point where they should be reproductive,” Fong noted.

However, the journey is far from over. The process of egg-laying introduces new challenges, with predators like skunks, foxes, and raccoons preying on turtle nests shortly after the eggs are laid. The National Park Service reports that approximately 80 percent of turtle nests fall victim to predators within the first few days.

To combat this, biologists have enlisted the help of specially trained conservation detection dogs, in collaboration with K9inScentive, a Los Angeles County organization. These dogs, led by Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy wildlife biologist Katie Smith and her dog Nooch, are trained to sniff out turtle nests, helping researchers protect the eggs until they hatch.

In 2023, the dogs successfully located turtle nests and even some predators during a pilot program at the donor site. Fong is hopeful that by next year, these teams will be able to locate and secure the nests, giving the species a better chance at recovery.

While the northwestern pond turtles face numerous threats, including competition from non-native species like the red-eared slider, the ongoing efforts of conservationists and volunteers offer a beacon of hope. The story of Turtle No. 9 is a testament to the power of collaboration and perseverance in the face of environmental challenges.