LET THEM EAT DIRT

Recent research from the Algonquin Wildlife Research Station (AWRS) tells us that Painted and Snapping turtle hatchlings were found eating, intentionally it would appear, a lot of their nesting substrate, including sand and vermiculite.

Geophagy – the consumption of hard objects with no caloric value – is widespread in the animal kingdom. Researchers suggest that those running conservation ‘head start’ programs should carefully consider the substrate their animals are exposed to.