Turtles
If you found a turtle please read this page to determine how to help. Handling snapping turtles is discussed at the bottom of this page.
It is illegal and cruel to keep a native wild turtle. If you are interested in owning a turtle please do your research and then contact the reptile rescues in our state. There are many turtles looking for homes.
Nope! When turtles hatch from their eggs they are 100% self-sufficient. They do not need their parents to care for them.
Turtles may lay their nests over a mile away from water.
If you found a baby (or entire clutch) please leave them alone unless they are in imminent human-related danger or are injured or ill. If you have any questions, contact us.
It is illegal to move a turtle nest. Leave it alone until they hatch. Mom will likely return to this area for future nests.
Orphaned?
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If a turtle is covered in flies, fly eggs (look like tiny grains of rice), etc. it needs help.
It is not uncommon to find leaches on turtles. You may remove them. If there are a lot of leaches and the turtle is lethargic it may be anemic and need medical attention.
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Fractured shell, limb or face; open mouth breathing (not hissing/defense), proptos/bulging eyes, nasal discharge, etc.
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Paint interferes with a turtle’s ability to absorb vitamin D and UVA and UVB rays from the sun, can be toxic and makes them easy targets for predators. These turtles need to be brought to a permitted wildlife rehabilitator.
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Turtles should try to run from you, hide in their shell or bite you (species dependent). If it is lethargic and allows you to approach it and pick it up it is in need of medical attention.
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Any turtle that has been under human care for over 24 hours should be examined by a permitted wildlife rehabilitator.
Does This Turtle Need Help?
Uninjured Turtles on the Road
For information on snapping turtles please see our “Snapping Turtle” section below.
Turtles often need to cross roadways to get to their home water source or nesting grounds.
Turtles are bonded to their homes. They have an incredible internal navigation system and will travel many miles in search of their home. Never move a turtle to a new water source!
Uninjured turtles can be moved to the ditch in the direction they were headed (if it is safe for you to do so). If you put them on the wrong side they will try to cross the road again.
If you found a turtle that is digging into the sand next to the road leave her alone. She is nesting and will return if you move her. Moving turtle nests is illegal.
Containing An Injured Turtle (Not Snapping Turtles)
If you found a turtle needs that help please contact us so we can discuss the situation with you and walk you through safely containing it. Your safety should be your top priority. If it safe to do so, please follow these steps to contain the animal(s):
Any age/species of turtle may bite. Assume that it will try to bite you. Please be cautious around the mouth/head. Softshell turtles are very snappy.
Get an appropriately sized box for the turtle. You may also use a pet carrier or other container as long as there are air holes poked in it before the animal is inside.
Put a towel or thin fleece blanket on the bottom of the box if you would like.
If the turtle is alert you may place a small towel over the animal’s face while you pick it up. This will discourage snapping and lessen stress.
Never pick up a turtle (or any other animal) by its tail! Using both hands (preferably with gloves), firmly, but gently pick up the turtle with your thumbs on the top of the shell and your fingers underneath the shell. Turtles may urinate, kick or try to bite. Adjust your hands accordingly.
If the shell is cracked, please be as gentle as possible and try not to move the broken pieces. Their shell is part of their skeletal system and these fractures are incredibly painful. If there is a piece of shell that has completely broken off please bring it along.
Secure the lid well. Turtles can climb better than you would think.
Put a heating pad underneath 1/3-1/2 of the box so the animal can move if it gets too hot. Make sure that it is on the lowest setting to prevent burns.
Warm water bottles, Hot Hands packs and warmed rice socks also work if you don’t have a heating pad. Do not place these items inside the box with the animal.
Wash your hands.
Bring the turtle to us immediately. If this is not an option, please try to find it a ride. In the meantime, put the box in a warm, dark, quiet area of your home or garage that is away from pets, children and noise.
DO NOT GIVE ANY FOOD OR LIQUIDS TO THE ANIMAL!
DO NOT hold, cuddle or talk to the animal. Keep away from pets.
Helping An Uninjured Snapping Turtle Across The Road
Snapping turtles cannot go all of the way into their shells to hide from predators so their mechanism of defense is to lunge and bite. Any aged snapping turtle may bite. Assume that it will try to bite you. Their necks are very long. They can reach over halfway to the back of their shell so it is very important that you do not put your hands in front of their rear legs.
If you found a snapping turtle that needs that help please contact us so we can discuss the situation with you and walk you through safely moving it if you are uncomfortable/unsure. Your safety should be your top priority. If it safe to do so, please follow these steps:
Watch this fantastic video showing how to handle a snapping turtle.
Toss a towel, shirt, car mat, etc. over the snapping turtle’s face to decrease stress and hopefully the defense mechanism of snapping/lunging at you. Some snapping turtles can be incredibly feisty. This may not work for every turtle.
Put a car mat down behind the turtle.
Using a snow shovel gently push the turtle onto the car mat. They can be very heavy. You may need help doing this. You may also firmly grab the shell on each side of the tail to pick it up.
Slide the car mat into the ditch in the direction that the turtle was heading. Try to keep a barrier between yourself and the turtle in case it tries to bite you.
Containing An Injured Snapping Turtle
If you found a snapping turtle needs that help please contact us so we can discuss the situation with you and walk you through safely containing it. Your safety should be your top priority. If it safe to do so, please follow these steps to contain the animal(s):
Watch this fantastic video showing how to handle a snapping turtle.
Get an appropriately sized box for the turtle. You may also use a pet carrier or other container as long as there are air holes poked in it before the animal is inside.
If the turtle is alert you may toss a towel over the turtle’s face. This will discourage snapping and lessen stress. Be aware they still may bite.
We prefer that you do not handle the snapper. Please put your carrier next to the turtle and gently push it into the carrier with a snow shovel. If you must handle it we will walk you through how to proceed.
Secure the lid well. Turtles can climb better than you would think.
Put a heating pad underneath 1/3-1/2 of the box so the animal can move if it gets too hot. Make sure that it is on the lowest setting to prevent burns.
Warm water bottles, Hot Hands packs and warmed rice socks also work if you don’t have a heating pad. Do not place these items inside the box with the animal.
Wash your hands.
Bring the turtle to us immediately. If this is not an option, please try to find it a ride. In the meantime, put the box in a warm, dark, quiet area of your home or garage that is away from pets, children and noise.
DO NOT GIVE ANY FOOD OR LIQUIDS TO THE ANIMAL!
DO NOT hold, cuddle or talk to the animal. Keep away from pets.
*If the shell is cracked, please be as gentle as possible and try not to move the broken pieces if you must handle the turtle. Their shell is part of their skeletal system so fractures are incredibly painful. If there is a piece of shell that has completely broken off please bring it along.
Note: The information contained in this text regarding health and/or safety precautions may not be adequate for all individuals and/or situations. It is the reader’s obligation to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. We are not responsible for injuries or illnesses occurred from you handling wild animals. Do so at your own risk. If you do not feel comfortable handling the animal do not handle it.