Wild Turtle Week offers education, ideas to protect Iowa's native species
Blanding's turtle is a threatened species in Iowa. (Photo courtesy of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources)
Iowa is home to 13 wild turtle species, nearly all of which are in need of conservation action, or are endangered due to a loss of habitat and road-related mortalities, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Iowans can learn about these turtles and how to help conserve the aquatic and semi-aquatic reptiles during Wild Turtle Week, June 9-13.
The eastern spiny softshell turtle, which is found throughout Iowa and the central portion of the country, lives mostly in the water and utilizes a method of absorbing oxygen through their skin and throat that is sometimes called 'butt breathing' according to Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, or PARC.
Per their name, the turtles do not have a hard shell and rely on their speed for protection. PARC suggests leaving these long-necked and snouted turtles alone if spotted out of the water, as they might be laying eggs.
Snapping turtles are also easily recognizable by their long spiny tails, shells and big, sharp beaks. Certain species of snapping turtle are listed as threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service which identified habitat loss, commercial and recreational fishing and nest predation as factors contributing to the population decline.
Wood turtles and yellow mud turtles are both listed as endangered in Iowa due to habitat loss and water pollution. Ornate box turtles, and eastern musk turtles are listed as threatened, along with the Blanding's turtle.
DNR partnered with Blank Park Zoo and Iowa State University to raise and release nearly 60 Blanding's turtles back into the Iowa landscape. The group released the turtles into the wild June 4.
According to U.S. FWS, these turtles can live for up to 70 years and often travel great distances, which exposes them to dangerous road crossings.
The western painted turtle, found across the state, is known for its bright red, yellow and black colored undersides. This small turtle, along with the red-eared slider, are two turtles that DNR said are not in need of conservation action.
Iowans can help turtles by avoiding them in roadways, and when possible, stopping to help move them across the roads. DNR said to always move turtles the same direction they were headed when helping them across a street.
It's also important to never pick up a turtle by its tail, as this can damage the reptile's spine. A press release from DNR said wetland, grassland and forest preservation can also help to save turtle habitat in Iowa.
Iowans with a keen eye for turtle identification can submit their observations online to Reptiles and Amphibians of Iowa, which charts species populations across the state. The website also has valuable photos and information to help identify turtle varieties.
PARC encourages folks across country to celebrate wild turtle week by sharing their turtle photos on social media with #ShellebrateTurtles. The organization also has webinars and other online resources with lots of turtle facts.
SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Canada Leads the Way in Innovation for Safer Maritime Navigation
OTTAWA, ON, June 17, 2025 /CNW/ - Safe and reliable navigation of waterways is necessary for global trade and transportation, making accurate and accessible marine data essential. That's why the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS), under Fisheries and Oceans Canada, is taking a leading role in validating new digital hydrographic standards. Today, the Minister of Fisheries, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, announced the launch of the S-100 Sea Trials on the St. Lawrence River. The S-100 data model is a new global standard created by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), which offers a new way of visualizing the marine environment using layered, interactive digital data that can be added to navigational charts. Unlike traditional paper or electronic charts, the new standard integrates real-time information – like depths, landmarks, tides, and currents into a single, dynamic format. Until November 2025, Canada is offering S-100 digital navigation products and services free of charge to mariners, stakeholders, developers and other interested parties to test performance in real-life scenarios. The complex conditions of the St. Lawrence River, such as varying water depths, changing currents and navigational aids, position it as an ideal testing ground, and will provide invaluable insights for S-100's future adoption across global waters. Canada's leadership in hosting the S-100 Sea Trials will advance the global transition toward consistent and reliable digital hydrographic standards. International adoption of these standards will allow mariners to enhance maritime safety, better route navigation and planning, and transportation efficiency which will reduce costs and contribute to a cleaner environment and ocean. Quotes "As a country surrounded by three oceans, we are proud to be a leader in cutting-edge digital navigational services which will hold mariner safety, ocean health, and Canada's maritime trade to the highest standard. The S-100 Sea Trials will help lead us to a more efficient and safer marine environment for all users, from remote communities to large commercial operators around the globe." The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries Quick Facts Hydrography is the science of studying, measuring and charting the physical features of bodies of water, such as oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers. It is critical for safe navigation of marine travel. It is celebrated annually during World Hydrography Day on June 21st. The S-100 Universal Hydrographic Data Model (S-100) is a universal set of guidelines and definitions for designing and maintaining hydrographic geospatial products and services. It is the new international standard developed by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) to ensure consistency in maritime products and services. The Canada Hydrographic Service is contributing several important navigational products and services within the IHO suite of products to help modernize navigation in Canadian waters. The IHO has planned a phased rollout of the S-100 navigational information starting in January 2026. Under the leadership of the Canadian Hydrographic Service, the S-100 Sea Trials are a collaborative effort also involving the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG), Teledyne Geospatial, Electronic Chart Centre (ECC) and PRIMAR. Mariners, stakeholders, developers and other parties operating on the St. Lawrence River who are interested in participating in these trials can register via the event website hosted by the Canadian Integrated Ocean Observing System. Associated Links DFO Science Story – From Static to Dynamic: S-100 and the Future of Maritime Navigation VIDEO – Seabed Mapping: A Navigational Breakthrough? S-100 Products and services S-100 Products specification glossary Stay Connected Follow the Fisheries and Oceans Canada on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Follow the Canadian Coast Guard on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada View original content:
CBS News
4 days ago
- CBS News
West Virginia University warns of bear spotted near campus
West Virginia University is asking students to be on alert after a black bear was seen near the downtown area of campus on Monday. University police issued a community notice, saying a black bear had been reported near the Personal Rapid Transit Central Maintenance Facility on Eighth Street. Police said officers quickly responded, though they weren't able to find anything when they got there. A bear was, however, captured on surveillance footage. (Photo provided by West Virginia University police) University police said anyone who sees a bear should call 911. What to do if you see a black bear The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources says black bears are seldom aggressive and attacks are rare. Black bear activity fluctuates yearly based on natural food production, which means bears are most active in May and June after they emerge from their dens, the DNR says. Food from humans is usually much higher in calories and much easier to get than food in the wild, which is why black bears can be seen this time of year. If you see a black bear before it notices you, the DNR says to stand still before quietly moving away in the opposite direction. If the bear notices you, don't run, because that may trigger a chase response. Back away slowly in the opposite direction. It's also recommended that people keep dogs leashed, because letting dogs chase or bark at bears "is asking for trouble," and to leave your earbuds at home so you can be more aware of your surroundings.
Business Wire
6 days ago
- Business Wire
Genmab Announces Epcoritamab Investigational Combination Therapy Demonstrates High Response Rates in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory (R/R) Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) Eligible for Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT)
COPENHAGEN, Denmark--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Genmab A/S (Nasdaq: GMAB) today announced new results from the Phase 1b/2 EPCORE ® NHL-2 trial Arm 10 (NCT04663347), evaluating epcoritamab, a T-cell engaging bispecific antibody administered subcutaneously, in combination with rituximab, ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (R-ICE) in adult patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL) who are eligible for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Results demonstrated an overall response rate (ORR) of 87 percent, a complete response (CR) rate of 65 percent and a partial response (PR) of 23 percent. The majority of patients (65 percent) proceeded to ASCT. At six months, an estimated 81 percent of responses were ongoing, 74 percent of patients were progression free, and 100 percent of patients were alive. These results were shared today during an oral presentation at the 30 th European Hematology Association (EHA) 2025 Congress. The safety profile of this combination therapy showed cytokine release syndrome (CRS) being low grade and no discontinuations due to treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). The most common TEAEs were neutropenia (74 percent), anemia (68 percent), and thrombocytopenia (68 percent). CRS occurred in 52 percent; all were low grade (1/2) and resolved. One patient had immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS; grade 1), which resolved. No clinical tumor lysis syndrome was observed. Infections occurred in 18 patients (58 percent); five (16 percent) had serious infections. There were no Grade 5 TEAEs. 'These results are particularly encouraging because many of the patients in this study had high-risk disease, having progressed rapidly after initial treatment,' said Raul Cordoba, MD, PhD, Head of the Lymphoma Unit at the Fundacion Jimenez Diaz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain. 'This combination therapy of epcoritamab plus rituximab, ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (R-ICE) offers a potential new treatment option for patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, providing high response rates and a bridge to potentially curative autologous stem cell transplantation." Among patients in the study who progressed within 12 months after first-line treatment (n=20), epcoritamab in combination with R-ICE demonstrated an 85 percent ORR and 55 percent CR. Patients in the study who progressed after 12 months from first-line therapy experienced a 91 percent ORR and 82 percent CR. Additionally, patients with one prior line of therapy experienced an 88 percent ORR and 68 percent CR, and patients who were treated with more than one prior line of therapy experienced an 83 percent ORR and 50 percent CR. 'The results from this trial highlight the potential of this investigational epcoritamab containing regimen, especially in patients who progress quickly after initial treatment, and reinforce our joint efforts with AbbVie to develop epcoritamab as a core therapy for B-cell lymphomas, especially as we develop epcoritamab in earlier lines of therapy and a broader patient population,' said Dr. Judith Klimovsky, Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer of Genmab. 'Our comprehensive EPCORE clinical trial program is dedicated to advancing epcoritamab as both monotherapy and in combination to address the significant unmet need in relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and other hematologic malignancies." Use of epcoritamab + R-ICE in patients with R/R DLBCL eligible for ASCT is not approved and the safety and efficacy of epcoritamab for use as a combination therapy in DLBCL have not been established. About Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma DLBCL is the most common type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) worldwide, accounting for approximately 25-30 percent of all NHL cases. In the U.S., there are approximately 25,000 new cases of DLBCL diagnosed each year. DLBCL can arise in lymph nodes as well as in organs outside of the lymphatic system, occurs more commonly in the elderly and is slightly more prevalent in men. DLBCL is a fast-growing type of NHL, a cancer that develops in the lymphatic system and affects B-cell lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. For many people living with DLBCL, their cancer either relapses, which means it may return after treatment, or becomes refractory, meaning it does not respond to treatment. Although new therapies have become available, treatment management can remain a challenge. About the EPCORE ® NHL-2 Trial EPCORE NHL-2 is a Phase 1b/2 open-label interventional trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics/biomarkers, immunogenicity, and preliminary efficacy of epcoritamab as a monotherapy and in combination with other standard of care agents in patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-NHL). The trial consists of two parts: Part 1 (Dose Escalation) and Part 2 (Dose Expansion). The primary objective of Part 1 is safety, and the primary goal of Part 2 is preliminary efficacy. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR) based on best overall response per Lugano criteria. MRD negativity was assessed as a secondary endpoint. Arm 10 of the EPCORE NHL-2 study enrolled 31 patients with R/R DLBCL, who were eligible for R-ICE and ASCT, and had received ≥1 prior line of treatment. At the time of data cutoff (December 18, 2024), median follow-up was 11 months (range, 6−15). Among the 31 patients treated with epcoritamab 48 mg + R-ICE, 61 percent were Ann Arbor stage III/IV, 42 percent had bulky disease ≥7 cm, 81 percent had one prior LOT (range, 1−3), and 65 percent had progressed within 12 months of first-line treatment. More information on this trial can be found at (NCT: 04663347). About Epcoritamab Epcoritamab is an IgG1-bispecific antibody created using Genmab's proprietary DuoBody ® technology and administered subcutaneously. Genmab's DuoBody-CD3 technology is designed to direct cytotoxic T cells selectively to elicit an immune response toward target cell types. Epcoritamab is designed to simultaneously bind to CD3 on T cells and CD20 on B cells and induces T-cell-mediated killing of CD20+ cells. i Epcoritamab (approved under the brand name EPKINLY ® in the U.S. and Japan, and TEPKINLY ® in the EU) has received regulatory approval in certain lymphoma indications in several territories. Where approved, epcoritamab is available as a readily accessible therapy without the need for reducing tumor burden ('debulking'). Epcoritamab is being co-developed by Genmab and AbbVie as part of the companies' oncology collaboration. The companies will share commercial responsibilities in the U.S. and Japan, with AbbVie responsible for further global commercialization. Both companies will pursue additional international regulatory approvals for the investigational R/R FL indication and additional approvals for the R/R DLBCL indication. Genmab and AbbVie continue to evaluate the use of epcoritamab as a monotherapy, and in combination, across lines of therapy in a range of hematologic malignancies. This includes five ongoing Phase 3, open-label, randomized trials including a trial evaluating epcoritamab as a monotherapy in patients with R/R DLBCL compared to investigators choice chemotherapy (NCT04628494), a trial evaluating epcoritamab in combination with R-CHOP in adult patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL (NCT05578976), a trial evaluating epcoritamab in combination with rituximab and lenalidomide (R2) in patients with R/R FL (NCT05409066), a trial evaluating epcoritamab in combination with rituximab and lenalidomide (R2) compared to chemoimmunotherapy in patients with previously untreated FL (NCT06191744), and a trial evaluating epcoritamab in combination with R2 compared to chemotherapy infusion in patients with R/R DLBCL (NCT06508658). The safety and efficacy of epcoritamab has not been established for these investigational uses. Please visit for more information. EPKINLY ® (epcoritamab-bysp) U.S. INDICATIONS & IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is EPKINLY? EPKINLY is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with certain types of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), high-grade B-cell lymphoma, or follicular lymphoma (FL) that has come back or that did not respond to previous treatment after receiving 2 or more treatments. EPKINLY is approved based on patient response data. Studies are ongoing to confirm the clinical benefit of EPKINLY. It is not known if EPKINLY is safe and effective in children. Important Warnings—EPKINLY can cause serious side effects, including: Cytokine release syndrome (CRS), which is common during treatment with EPKINLY and can be serious or life-threatening. To help reduce your risk of CRS, you will receive EPKINLY on a step-up dosing schedule (when you receive 2 or 3 smaller step-up doses of EPKINLY before your first full dose during your first cycle of treatment), and you may also receive other medicines before and for 3 days after receiving EPKINLY. If your dose of EPKINLY is delayed for any reason, you may need to repeat the step-up dosing schedule. Neurologic problems that can be life-threatening and lead to death. Neurologic problems may happen days or weeks after you receive EPKINLY. People with DLBCL or high-grade B-cell lymphoma should be hospitalized for 24 hours after receiving their first full dose of EPKINLY on day 15 of cycle 1 due to the risk of CRS and neurologic problems. Tell your healthcare provider or get medical help right away if you develop a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher; dizziness or lightheadedness; trouble breathing; chills; fast heartbeat; feeling anxious; headache; confusion; shaking (tremors); problems with balance and movement, such as trouble walking; trouble speaking or writing; confusion and disorientation; drowsiness, tiredness or lack of energy; muscle weakness; seizures; or memory loss. These may be symptoms of CRS or neurologic problems. If you have any symptoms that impair consciousness, do not drive or use heavy machinery or do other dangerous activities until your symptoms go away. EPKINLY can cause other serious side effects, including: Infections that may lead to death. Your healthcare provider will check you for signs and symptoms of infection before and during treatment and treat you as needed if you develop an infection. You should receive medicines from your healthcare provider before you start treatment to help prevent infection. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop any symptoms of infection during treatment, including fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, cough, chest pain, tiredness, shortness of breath, painful rash, sore throat, pain during urination, or feeling weak or generally unwell. Low blood cell counts, which can be serious or severe. Your healthcare provider will check your blood cell counts during treatment. EPKINLY may cause low blood cell counts, including low white blood cells (neutropenia), which can increase your risk for infection; low red blood cells (anemia), which can cause tiredness and shortness of breath; and low platelets (thrombocytopenia), which can cause bruising or bleeding problems. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for symptoms of CRS, neurologic problems, infections, and low blood cell counts during treatment with EPKINLY. Your healthcare provider may temporarily stop or completely stop treatment with EPKINLY if you develop certain side effects. Before you receive EPKINLY, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you have an infection, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. If you receive EPKINLY while pregnant, it may harm your unborn baby. If you are a female who can become pregnant, your healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before you start treatment with EPKINLY and you should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment and for 4 months after your last dose of EPKINLY. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant or think that you may be pregnant during treatment with EPKINLY. Do not breastfeed during treatment with EPKINLY and for 4 months after your last dose of EPKINLY. In DLBCL or high-grade B-cell lymphoma, the most common side effects of EPKINLY include CRS, tiredness, muscle and bone pain, injection site reactions, fever, stomach-area (abdominal) pain, nausea, and diarrhea. The most common severe abnormal laboratory test results include decreased white blood cells, decreased red blood cells, and decreased platelets. In follicular lymphoma the most common side effects of EPKINLY include injection site reactions, CRS, COVID-19, tiredness, upper respiratory tract infections, muscle and bone pain, rash, diarrhea, fever, cough, and headache. The most common severe abnormal laboratory test results include decreased white blood cells and decreased red blood cells. These are not all of the possible side effects of EPKINLY. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or or to Genmab US, Inc. at 1-855-4GENMAB (1-855-443-6622). Please see Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide, including Important Warnings. Globally, prescribing information varies; refer to the individual country product label for complete information. About Genmab Genmab is an international biotechnology company with a core purpose of guiding its unstoppable team to strive toward improving the lives of patients with innovative and differentiated antibody therapeutics. For 25 years, its passionate, innovative and collaborative team has invented next-generation antibody technology platforms and leveraged translational, quantitative and data sciences, resulting in a proprietary pipeline including bispecific T-cell engagers, antibody-drug conjugates, next-generation immune checkpoint modulators and effector function-enhanced antibodies. By 2030, Genmab's vision is to transform the lives of people with cancer and other serious diseases with knock-your-socks-off (KYSO ®) antibody medicines. Established in 1999, Genmab is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, with international presence across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. For more information, please visit and follow us on LinkedIn and X. This Media Release contains forward looking statements. The words 'believe,' 'expect,' 'anticipate,' 'intend' and 'plan' and similar expressions identify forward looking statements. Actual results or performance may differ materially from any future results or performance expressed or implied by such statements. The important factors that could cause our actual results or performance to differ materially include, among others, risks associated with preclinical and clinical development of products, uncertainties related to the outcome and conduct of clinical trials including unforeseen safety issues, uncertainties related to product manufacturing, the lack of market acceptance of our products, our inability to manage growth, the competitive environment in relation to our business area and markets, our inability to attract and retain suitably qualified personnel, the unenforceability or lack of protection of our patents and proprietary rights, our relationships with affiliated entities, changes and developments in technology which may render our products or technologies obsolete, and other factors. For a further discussion of these risks, please refer to the risk management sections in Genmab's most recent financial reports, which are available on and the risk factors included in Genmab's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which are available at Genmab does not undertake any obligation to update or revise forward looking statements in this Media Release nor to confirm such statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances after the date made or in relation to actual results, unless required by law. Genmab A/S and/or its subsidiaries own the following trademarks: Genmab ®; the Y-shaped Genmab logo ®; Genmab in combination with the Y-shaped Genmab logo ®; HuMax ®; DuoBody ®; HexaBody ®; DuoHexaBody ®, HexElect ® and KYSO™. EPCORE ®, EPKINLY ®, TEPKINLY ® and their designs are trademarks of AbbVie Biotechnology Ltd. i Engelberts PJ, et al. DuoBody-CD3xCD20 Induces Potent T-Cell-Mediated Killing of Malignant B Cells in Preclinical Models and Provides Opportunities for Subcutaneous Dosing. EBioMedicine
