Summertime is when box turtles are most active. They will be popping up in yards, roads, and pastures all over our area. And while it may seem like you are helping a turtle out if you move them, it’s important to remember a few facts about them.
Turtles live in the same area their whole lives. Any turtle that is displaced will spend the rest of its days wandering, trying to get back home.
Moving a turtle out of the road is a kind thing to do, but make sure to pick them up carefully. Hold the top and bottom of the shell in a straight position, rather than dangling them or picking up just the edge.
Turtles like shady areas during the heat of the day, they are most active in mornings and late of an evening.
Box turtles can retain water better than their water favored counterparts. They survive in droughts easily for this reason.
Painting a turtles shell can cause damage to the shell resulting in sick turtles, or even dead turtles. While it sounds like a fun activity, it really is best to not decorate a shell at all.
Turtles can carry salmonella on their shell and skin. If you handle one, make sure to clean your hands as quickly as possible afterwards.
The growth of civilization has put turtles in harms way, and decreased their population. More often now they are finding themselves in roads and in the mouths of dogs. If you see one, please help it to safety properly, and then take precautions to keep yourself from sicknesses.
Turtles are such interesting animals! Let’s treat them with respect and help them stay around for years to come.
