Tips For Helping Turtles

In Virginia, turtles are on the move from spring through early fall. Many people encounter them crossing the roads or in their own backyards. Learn more about how to best help turtles, including when to call for help, and when to leave a wild turtle alone!

• Assist turtles crossing the road by carrying them across in the direction they’re headed. Many turtles crossing roads are egg-laden females looking for appropriate nesting sites.

• Do NOT relocate a turtle to a “better place”. Turtles have small home territories and should be left where they are found. Their survivability depends on it.

• Don’t ever keep a wild turtle as a pet. If you truly desire a pet reptile and can make all of the commitments necessary to keeping a healthy, happy herp, please look into adopting.

• Watch out for turtles and other wildlife when mowing lawns and doing other yard-work.

• If you find an injured turtle, put it in a box and contact a permitted wildlife rehabilitator.  Make sure to record details of the rescue location so that the turtle can be returned there once it has healed.

• Keep domestic animals indoors or on leashes. Free-roaming dogs and cats injure and kill millions of wild animals each year. 

• Always wash your hands with soap and water after handling a turtle

Courtesy of: The Wildlife Center of Virginia