Rare Two-Headed Turtle Hatchling Found on Cape Cod

You have to see it to believe it. A tiny two-headed turtle hatchling was recently observed in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Here is a look at this rare turtle, what causes its condition, and its prospects for surviving.

Two-headed Baby Turtle Discovered in Cape Cod

A rare two-headed turtle hatchling was found shortly after hatching in the middle of September. The small diamond terrapin turtle weighs less than five grams, equating to about the size of a nickel. The turtle was found during routine nest monitoring in Wellfleet. The Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary found the turtle and took it to the New England Wildlife Centers veterinary hospital.

The animal suffers from a condition known as bicephaly. While this condition is rare, it has been observed in several species. "By all accounts, the turtle is doing well; it has control of all of its limbs," Zak Mertz, CEO of New England Wildlife Centers, said. Mertz also explained that the turtle can swim on its own.