BARNSTABLE — A rare two-headed diamondback terrapin hatchling is being monitored at the Cape Wildlife Center in Barnstable after it was found at a protected nesting site in Wellfleet.
According to the Cape Wildlife Center, the 5.2-gram hatchling arrived at the center on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, after being brought there by the Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.
The hatchling has two heads, a rare developmental anomaly known as bicephaly.
The center’s veterinary team is monitoring the terrapin while learning more about how its two heads and body work together.
“We’ve only seen two other bicephalic cases in the last 5 years, making this still an especially rare case for our team,” the Cape Wildlife Center said. “While we’ve encountered this unusual condition before, every case gives us another opportunity to learn more about these fascinating animals’ anatomy and physiology. For now, our team is monitoring this little one’s (two’s?) appetite, growth, and behavior closely.”