We do a lot of hiking and walking. That includes hiking “light” trails through the mountains, long walks throughout our neighborhood and taking a stroll down the beach. My wife and I enjoy walking and it’s our main form of exercise. We try to get outside to walk several times a week.
Often times when we’re out walking we encounter various species of turtles out in the wild. The most common species in our area is the box turtle. When we’re down at our beach house we encounter a lot of sea turtles, terrapins and some box turtles. During the spring and early summer season the turtles are out mating and laying their eggs. Please be on the lookout for them!
If you encounter one out in the wild please don’t handle it unless it needs your help. Just observe from a distance. If the turtle is on the road…please stop if you safely can. Pick up the turtle by the side of his/her shell and move them to the side of the road in the direction that they were traveling. Don’t turn them around…they will naturally go back into the direction they were heading and attempt to cross the road again.
Encounter an injured turtle? Please report it! There are animal rescues and wildlife centers that can help injured turtles. Call a wildlife officer or a local vet give and receive information on who to report the injured turtle to. You may have to stay with it until they arrive or transport it to their location. They will give you instructions on what to do.
Please…do NOT capture wild turtles and try to keep them as pets! Let the wild turtles stay wild. If you’re looking to adopt a turtle try contacting an animal rescue center to see if any are up for adoption. Wild animals, including turtles shouldn’t be turned into household pets.
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