Turtles are an important link to the past history of life on earth.
One such species is the timid, gentle Blanding's turtle. Throughout the state except the extreme north-central counties. History Current Status Excerpt from the Animal Guide Description Named after its discoverer, the Blanding's turtle is medium-sized. It can be easily identified by the bright yellow underside of its neck. The hinge of the Blanding's turtle's plastron is not functional until the turtle is 3 to 5 years old.