Eggs

     The eggs are arguably the most vulnerable stage of a wood turtle's life.  In some years, skunks and raccoons can destroy up to 100% of clutches at a given nesting site.  One study noted that 15 of 17 nests were destroyed, but that the nests were preyed upon 9 weeks after they were laid. Other predators include coyotes and ravens.  The larvae of certain flies scavenge infertile eggs.

    
Hatchlings & Juveniles

    Young Wood Turtles are likely preyed upon by a wide variety of animals.  Known predators include raccoons, skunks, oppossums, chipmunks, dogs, cats, several birds, and large-mouthed bass.  Fly larvae can consume live hatchlings in the nest chamber.  These fly larvae enter through the center of the plastron, where the turtle was connected to its yolk sac.


Adults

     Adult Wood Turtles are often encountered with one or more missing limbs.  In most cases, limb mutilations and amputations are due to encounters with the wood turtle's life-long enemy, the raccoon.  In agricultural areas, however, limb loss may be the result of agricultural mowers.  After 15 years of investigation, one study documented a significantly lower probability of recapturing Wood Turtles that had at least one missing limb than those that were intact.  So, it seems limb loss can compromise the survival of certain turtles, at least over the long term.