Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: Diamond-backed Terrapin

Patient (and Ambassador) of the Week: Remembering Scuter

It’s with an extremely heavy heart that we share the news of Scuter, our beloved Northern Diamond-backed Terrapin’s passing.

About a year ago, Scuter tested positive for an emerging fungal pathogen called Emydomyces testavorans, which can cause shell lesions and damage in aquatic turtles.

It’s a newly recognized and highly contagious disease, and while Scuter likely carried it for some time before diagnosis, our team worked tirelessly to provide treatment and protect the rest of our ambassadors through strict biosecurity protocols.

Despite her illness, Scuter remained her bright, curious self. Always greeting staff and guests with what looked like a big grin, paddling enthusiastically to the edge of her tank to say hello.

Unfortunately, earlier this month, she took a turn for the worse.

After several weeks of intensive care and treatments that were clearly impacting her quality of life, our veterinary and education teams made the compassionate decision to humanely euthanize her.

During her time here at BRWC, Scuter touched more than 20,000 lives and participated in over 500 education programs.

She helped people of all ages understand not only her species, but also the importance of protecting aquatic habitats and the wildlife that depend on them!

About Northern Diamond-backed Terrapins

Diamond-backed terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin terrapin) are the only turtle species in North America that live exclusively in brackish water (the mix of salt and fresh water found in coastal marshes, tidal creeks, and estuaries).

Their beautifully patterned shells and skin are unique among turtles, marked with striking concentric rings that give them their “diamond-backed” name.

Terrapins play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems, helping maintain healthy marshes by feeding on snails and other invertebrates. Unfortunately, they face many threats, including habitat loss, road mortality, crab pot entrapment, and now, emerging diseases like Emydomyces testavorans.

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