Hatchlings are always a source of excitement at the Turtle Conservancy, and some are particularly thrilling, like this adorable little Spiny Hill Turtle (Heosemys spinosa) that hatched on July tenth. The origin of their name becomes immediately apparent—the spiky protrusions on their shell, which are known as marginal scutes, offer formidable protection against predators, especially those that might try to swallow them whole. Our keepers can vouch for the sharpness of these spikes. Spiny Hill Turtle's shell is sharpest when they are young, and as they age, they gradually lose these distinctive spikes.