Built to last. Living to the venerable age of 77 or more in the wild, Blanding's turtle is armored from life's blows by a sturdy carapace. When the weather is warm, it lies on a log to soak up the sun; when the mercury drops, it can endure up to three months submerged under ice. But future generations have the odds stacked against them since nearly 80% of nests are depreciated, mainly by raccoons. Habitat is being lost and degraded as human settlements - and with them, more ravening raccoons - draw nearer.