Turtles

Aquatic and Terrestrial Turtles – The Eastern Box Turtle is a solitary, highly-territorial, long-lived, diurnal, terrestrial reptile. Aquatic turtles include the painted turtle and snapping turtles. NOTE: Check with your nearest wildlife rehabilitator before bringing in a captive/pet turtle for treatment.

DO RESCUE:

• Any that were attacked by another animal.
• Any that were hit by a car or mowing equipment.
• Any with a swollen eye(s) and/or lumps on the side of their head.
• Any that have a cracked and/or bleeding shell/appendage.

DO NOT RESCUE:

• Any uninjured turtle that was found in the road. Simply place the turtle on the side of the road in the direction it was heading.
• Any that have mild, non-bleeding abrasions on their shell. These are old injuries that have successfully healed.
• Any uninjured, newly-hatched turtles. They are independent from hatching and do not need assistance.

IF IT NEEDS REHABILITATION:

• Write down the EXACT location the turtle was found, including a street address and/or nearest crossroads, and a general description of the area; box turtles are highly territorial and will not survive if relocated; aquatic turtles should be returned to the water sources they inhabit.

See Transporting Wildlife. Keep it warm and quiet.