Turtles on the move

Across New England, many turtles are active and on the move from spring through early fall. You may encounter them crossing roads, in wooded areas, or even in your own backyard. Here are some helpful tips on what to do if you see a turtle in the wild!

• If you find a turtle somewhere you don’t think it belongs, do NOT relocate the turtle to somewhere you think would be safer. The best thing you can actually do is leave the turtle alone.

• If you are confident that conditions allow you to do so safely, you can assist turtles crossing the road by carrying them across the road in the same direction they’re heading.* Many of the turtles you see crossing roads will be egg-laden females looking for a site to lay their eggs.

• In the late summer or fall, you may see baby turtles emerging from their nesting sites. These hatchlings do NOT need assistance and can guide themselves back to where they belong by instinct.

• Never keep a wild turtle as a pet.

• Always wash your hands with soap and hot water for at least 30 seconds after handling turtles. Some turtles can carry bacteria dangerous to humans and pass it on through contact.

Turtles are an incredibly important part of the ecosystem, and many local turtles are members of endangered species. With these tips you can help keep them safe and join Roger Williams Park Zoo in its mission to protect and preserve wildlife and wild places in your own community.

*Be very careful picking up any turtle and avoid the head area. Large snapping turtles can cause significant injuries and even a small one can inflict a painful bite.