Northern map turtles are moving out of Lake Erie before the most intense period of harmful algal blooms, according to a new study published in the Journal of Great Lakes Research. Researchers from the University of Toledo, led by Dr. Jeanine Refsnider and undergraduate student Di'Carlo Jackson, followed the movements of 10 female northern map turtles in western Lake Erie during the summer of 2022. Using a combination of acoustic and satellite tracking technology, they found that the turtles traveled as far as 13 miles (21 kilometers) into nearby streams and wetlands. The study showed that after laying their eggs on a nesting beach, the turtles left Lake Erie entirely by late July. They were not detected in the lake after that time, instead moving upstream into tributaries or marshes, where they remained until spring. This timing meant they avoided exposure to the peak of the algal blooms, which typically occur in August. Algal blooms can produce toxins that are harmful to wildlife and humans, so this behavior may be an important survival strategy for the turtles. Dr. Refsnider noted that this study used a new approach compared to her previous work. While she has used radio telemetry before, the combination of acoustic and satellite tracking allowed for more detailed insights. Acoustic telemetry, which uses underwater receivers to track signals from transmitters on the turtles, worked well when the turtles were in the water. Satellite tracking, on the other hand, provided information on their movements when they were farther from the acoustic receivers, such as in tributaries or wetlands. This research highlights how combining different tracking technologies can reveal important details about the seasonal movements and habitat use of wildlife. By understanding how northern map turtles interact with their environment throughout the year, scientists can better assess the impact of environmental changes, such as algal blooms, on their survival and reproduction.