Western Pond Turtles lay their eggs on sandy banks located next to rivers. The turtles mate in April – May, their eggs are laid June through August, they hatch over winter and appear in March or April. They lay their eggs about “400 m from, and 60 to 90 m above, stream beds” (Galen B. Rathbun). Western Pond Turtles travel outside the river to grassy areas to sunbathe and locate a spot to lay eggs when the time comes. Some turtles dig several holes before laying their eggs. Laying eggs away from the water can reduce the risk of eggs being washed away if flooding occurs, the soil is also warmer further away from the water, increasing the incubation of the eggs. Another reason to lay their eggs further away from the water, it reduced the chance
