05/23/2026
🐢 Happy World Turtle Day! It's no secret that we love our local turtles, and this is the time of year where you'll see many of them on the move! By why? We asked Dr. Callie to share why the reasons why a turtle might try to cross a busy road and what you can do to help their journey!
Dr. Callie: "Many turtles are moving from their permanent bodies of water to find mates, food, and most often, nesting locations. Around North Pond, many of the adult female painted turtles, snapping turtles, and red-eared sliders are leaving the pond to find a spot on land to dig a hole to lay eggs. During this time, they may cross trails or roads looking for that perfect spot, but also putting them in harm's way."
If you spot a turtle that needs help, Dr. Callie has some quick tips!
🚨 Your safety always comes first. If in a car, park safely. If by a road, check for cars and have a spotter while you help the turtle. If you are not comfortable handling the turtle, do not attempt to do so as you may injure yourself or the turtle.
🚨 Determine the direction the turtle is going. Before approaching the turtle, figure out which way it is going and this is the direction you will take it. If you try to put it where you think it should go, the stubborn turtle will just turn around and go back across the road.
🚨 Ask yourself, does this turtle actually need help? Sometimes they don't! If they are crossing a busy road, this is a good time to be a turtle hero. But if they are crossing a nature trail, they can find their way without your help. Give them space and they will go where they need to go.
🚨 Pick up the turtle from the back of the shell and do not grab the legs or tail. Once you have a secure grip on the back on the shell, you can carry the turtle (low to the ground) in the direction it was traveling. For larger turtles, you may put a piece of cardboard/car mat/etc below the turtle to rest the front part of the turtle. Then holding the back of the shell and the cardboard, you can gently drag the turtle across the road.
🚨 Move them to safety, but no further. Place the turtle a few feet across the road, but do not bring them any further.
