If you happen to see a turtle that appears to have something stuck on its shell, don't be alarmed. These reptiles have been fitted with transmitters as part of a western pond turtle research study. Several ponds in Midpen preserves are locations for this study, which is running now through October. Researchers hope to learn about local population size and health, where the turtles go when they leave the ponds, and how to better conserve and protect these turtles in the San Francisco Bay Area.