What To Do If You Find A Turtle In The Road

Long Island has multiple species of turtles, including the eastern box turtle, which is considered a species of special concern in the state of New York. Turtle injuries are common as they cross busy roads across the East End.

Here are things drivers should know if they come across a turtle during the summer:

If a turtle is found in the road it needs to be moved in the direction the turtle is headed, into safety. Karen Testa of Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons, recommends moving the turtle no more than a football field away from the road, but placing the turtle in a safe location.

Testa says to avoid moving turtles to parking lots or industrial areas, even if that is where the turtle is heading. Additionally, there are no native saltwater turtles on Long Island, so never bring a turtle from the road to the ocean or bay.

Putting a turtle back in the direction they came is also not beneficial, since the turtle will continue attempting to cross the road in their desired direction.

Identification of the species of turtle is important since some species are aquatic and others require a wooded or marsh landscape. To help identify a turtle, text a picture of the turtle to (516) 729-7894 — Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons will identify the turtle and use GoogleMaps to recommend a safe location for the turtle nearby.

If a hatchling is found, identification is required, because hatchlings of different species look similar and putting a turtle in the wrong habitat can be deadly.

If an injured turtle is found, immediately contact Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons’ 24-hour hotline at 631-779-3737. Testa recommends keeping a towel and box in your car at all times in order to help turtles best. If you find an injured turtle, “wrap its entire body [in a towel] and keep it quiet, dark and warm, until you can get it help,” Testa said.

Testa says to never assume a turtle is dead, because turtles can survive injuries for up to four days. Even if the turtle is not moving, it is likely in shock and still requires treatment.

Some signs a turtle is injured include bleeding and injuries to limbs or shells. But a turtle that has swollen eyes, is lethargic or has bubbles or mucus near their nose or mouth could also be injured.

In case of emergencies, injured turtles can also be brought to a veterinary hospital for treatment.