How can we help turtles?

When turtles can safely cross roads unaided due to a lack of oncoming traffic allow them to do so. Observe from a distance and avoid rapid movements, as doing otherwise will often cause turtles to change direction, stop, or seek shelter within their shells. Handle Turtles Gently.

How do you rescue a turtle?

If the turtle you found is injured, gently collect the turtle and put it in a clean, dry container in a warm but shaded area away from pets or potential predators. Do not attempt to apply any type of first aid. Give us a call, shoot us an email, or contact a qualified reptile vet in your area for assistance.

Is it bad to relocate a snapping turtle?

Never pick a turtle up by the tail, as this could break their tail vertebrae causing a painful injury. Gently moving an especially large or heavy snapping turtle on to your car mat is also a great technique that will keep you (your fingers!) and the turtle, safe and happy.

What happens if you relocate a snapping turtle?

Like most of nature, they don’t cope well with being relocated — and even if they survive the move, nesting patterns are disrupted. What’s more, lifting snapping turtles by the tail is likely to injure their spine, maiming or possibly killing them.

How can I help a snapping turtle across the road?

Large snapping turtles have long necks and can bite hard, so instead of picking them up, gently push them from behind to safety with a blunt object. Don’t use anything sharp that could cause injury. Always keep them moving in the same direction that they were headed.

How do you help an injured snapping turtle?

If the snapping turtle is injured and you cannot transport it to Tufts Wildlife Clinic immediately or if the Clinic is not open, keep the turtle in a warm, quiet place in the tightly sealed container with proper breathing holes until you are able to bring it to the Clinic.

Is it OK to move a turtle out of the road?

It’s that time of year where you may see turtles in roadways. Make sure to put the turtle in the direction it was heading, NEVER TURN THEM AROUND! The turtle is on a mission, and if you turn it around, it will simply go back across the road when you drive away. Finally, DO NOT relocate them.

Why you should never move a turtle?

Don’t relocate turtles to new areas, even if you think their current location is odd (unless it is obviously hazardous, such as a busy parking lot). Moving them to an unfamiliar location can subject them to foreign diseases and parasites that they lack a natural immunity to, so that should be avoided.

Can you rehome a snapping turtle?

If you are at all unsure about whether or not to release the snapping turtle, don’t. You should re-home him instead. A local reptile or turtle club can help you.