Rare Find - Wood Turtle

Type: Nontidal
Region: Western
Location: Potomac River near Whites Ferry

During a cast-n- blast with Elliot Rule and Dave Stamper, I found this turtle which I originally thought was a very old box turtle. The turtle was away from the water, in tall grass on a small island adjacent to the head of Mason Island. After showing Dave this picture the following day, he told me that it was most likely a wood turtle. In addition to finding the turtle, we managed to get a few ducks and catch some nice smallies. Can you confirm that this is a wood turtle based on the picture and how rare are they?

DNR Response: Yes, it is a wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta). They are a protected species (from collecting) as there has been a lot of illegal collecting for the global pet trade, plus they have a lot of other threats. They are a rare find on the piedmont and our best remaining populations in MD are in the Ridge and Valley.