Romeoville, IL – A rare hybrid turtle recently found in a Will County Forest Preserve is drawing attention to the serious risks of releasing pet turtles into the wild, as experts warn it could threaten the genetic integrity of local turtle populations.
The Forest Preserve District of Will County announced that the turtle, discovered during a survey in May, was identified as a cross between an Eastern box turtle and the state-threatened ornate box turtle. The hybrid, now nicknamed “Theodorable,” represents an uncommon case of interbreeding that could dilute the genetic pool of the already vulnerable ornate box turtle species if left unchecked.
According to Jen Guest, facility supervisor at Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville, Theodore’s presence in the preserve posed a risk to the conservation efforts aimed at protecting the ornate box turtle. Allowing hybrids in the wild could further endanger the species by mixing non-native genetics into a population that is already in decline.
Instead of being euthanized, the Forest Preserve District adopted Theodore as an ambassador animal at the museum. He now helps educate the public about the importance of responsible pet ownership and the dangers of introducing non-native animals into local habitats.
Wildlife ecologist Becky Blankenship alleges the hybridization likely resulted from someone releasing a pet Eastern box turtle in Will County, where the species does not naturally occur. According to Blankenship, with only 23 ornate box turtles documented in the wild since 2021, the introduction of hybrid genetics is a significant concern for maintaining the species’ long-term survival.
Officials strongly urge residents never to release pet turtles or other animals into the wild, as these actions can undermine decades of conservation work and threaten rare native species.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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