Watch out for turtles crossing roads, particularly heading into egg-laying season

I’d like to remind people as you drive our roads that mid-summer is the time female turtles exit the water to climb upland and lay their eggs. This often means crossing busy roads, as many of our roads follow the shoreline.

Recently, I witnessed a turtle no bigger than a teacup saucer get run over and killed before I could move her to safety; the sound and sight was/is gut wrenching.

If you happen to find an injured turtle still alive, New Hampshire Fish and Game has some guidance and a list of wildlife rehabilitators that may be able to help.

NH Fish and Game: What to do

if you find an injured turtle in NH

Do:

• Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator ASAP who is experienced and approved with native turtle care. There is a list on the NH Fish and Game Website at wildlife.nh.gov.

People inexperienced in turtle care may provide inappropriate care or assume euthanasia is the only solution. 

State protected species also may require special medical care procedures and reporting.  There are specific wildlife rehabilitators listed on the NH Fish and Game website that work with state protected species.

• Put the turtle into a clean container (box or Rubbermaid bin) he/she cannot crawl out of. DO NOT put the injured turtle with any other animals including other turtles.

• Place a damp towel or damp paper towels on the bottom of the container.

• Put the turtle in a quiet place.

• The wildlife rehabber will let you know if they require you to transport the turtle or if a turtle rehabilitator volunteer will be meeting you to pick up the turtle. If requested to transport the turtle, cover the turtle container – human contact can be stressful to wild animals.

• Note exactly where the turtle was found so it can be returned after recovery. 

Taking a GPS point, noting a road mile-marker, taking a photo on your phone with location feature engaged or, at a minimum, road name and distinguishing feature or approximate distance from a feature is helpful. 

Rehabbed turtles are released back into the wild. Being able to return them to their original home range is important and increases the likelihood that they will re-adapt successfully.

• Report turtle observations (live or deceased) to NHFG at RAARP@wildlife.nh.gov. Provide contact information, a location, photographs of the turtle and date/time of observation.

Don’t:

• Do NOT remove healthy turtles from the wild. Turtles can sometimes heal from injuries and scars may be present in recovered individuals. Contact an approved turtle rehabilitator if you have any questions on whether a turtle requires treatment.

• Do NOT put the turtle in water.

• Do NOT attempt to repair or clean the fracture site.

• Do NOT put ointment on the fracture site.

• Do NOT put the turtle outside of your house.

If the turtle cannot be brought inside, put them in the shade and cover the container they are in.

If you need to hold the turtle overnight before transporting them, the turtle must be kept in a safe place where nocturnal predators (raccoons) and/or pets can’t get to them.

For more information, visit wildlife.nh.gov.