Montoya, Gabriel, Clean Water Institute, Lycoming College, 1 College Place, Williamsport, PA, 17701, hergabr@lycoming.edu; Kaunert, Matt, , Clean Water Institute, Lycoming College, 1 College Place, Williamsport, PA, 17701, kaunert@lycoming.edu; Rieck, Leslie, Clean Water Institute Lycoming College 1 College Place Williamsport PA, 17701, rieck@lycoming.edu; Bohlin, Emily,Clean Water Institute, Lycoming College, 1 College Place, Williamsport, PA, 17701, bohlin@lycoming.edu.
Wood turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) are semi-aquatic turtles native to the northern United States and Canada and are currently proposed for federal protection with the USFWS. Wood turtles rely on a mosaic of aquatic and terrestrial habitats, making them vulnerable to multiple threats, including habitat loss, road mortality, and invasive vegetation. Despite high overlap between wood turtle populations and stream restoration projects in Pennsylvania, little is known about how such interventions affect their spatial ecology. In this study, we used radio telemetry to assess fine-scale habitat selection of wood turtles on a property slated for future riparian restoration. We tracked turtles (n = 4) from March to August 2025 and collected habitat data within 3×3 m plots (27 used and 27 random plots). We used paired logistic regression models to evaluate factors influencing habitat selection. Wood turtles most frequently used floodplain forest, bank, and stream habitats. Canopy cover was found to be a significant negative predictor of habitat selection. While sun exposure negatively influenced habitat selection, and both food availability and substrate temperature increased selection, these trends were not statistically significant. This study provides baseline data for future post-restoration comparisons of habitat selection and contributes information regarding wood turtle use of riparian environments. Continued monitoring will enhance insights into the effects of restoration practices on wood turtle spatial ecology and inform habitat management strategies for this declining species.
habitat selection , stream restoration , telemetry , wood turtle