turtle rescue and hatching

The two tubs in the living room covered in quilts with “Caution Turtle Eggs” signs have become a bit of a conversation starter. It may just be our friends but most are active in, or at least sympathetic to, assiting turtles crossing the road. A common problem is what to do with Snapping turtles: especially those really big, moss covered ones that can jump, turn 180’, and deliver an extremity threatening snap when approached.

After numerous funny, dangerous and often marginally successful attempts we have found on off-road technique that works fairly well. During the season when we expect to find snappers on the road we carry an old towel: in a pinch a newspaper works just as well.

Approach the turtle from behind and drape the towel over the turtle making sure to cover the head. Now quickly and firmly grab the turtle with two hands about half way down the shell. Being firm is very important. As soon as they are grabbed they will strike and the force is considerable. But they can not see. The head jabs forward safely away from you. Lift the turtle and carry off the road. They are heavy and snapping but other wise easy to carry.

A major draw back to this technique is that snappers are malodorous. The towel will smell and it is not pleasant. A plastic bag to put the towel in helps. A major benefit of this method is that it is fast. On a road with traffic this is a major plus.

I should also add that the towel works well with water snakes. They have an on-land temperment similar to snappers and do not take kindly to help no matter how well intentioned. Swooping the towel in the air over the snake will send it as fast as possible to tall grass. I think it mimic’s an incoming raptor and triggers ancient reflexes.

All is stable with the turtle eggs. Brianna especially loves the smell of the damp peat moss when we open the containers to check on them.

These are pictures of our most successful attempt at stopping predation of turtle nests. These cages have been up for a month. They are dog cages held in place by rocks. Both of these protected sites were laid by map turtles. Does anyone know if the scent eventually goes away and they can be removed? I worry a bit about the small turtles not being able to make their way under or through the cage.

On June 27 we still had map turtles laying in this lane way. On that day we also saw our 4th stink pot turtle on land. They have not been observed on the nest, but I think it is a safe assumption that that was the reason for their onshore visits. Since we have never seen any up close and personal before this is a banner year. All four have been around Mitchell Creek Bridge.

Two of our map turtle eggs developed significant indentations; they were collapsing in on themselves and the shells were soft. They have been discarded. We still have seven map turtle eggs and twenty eight snapping turtle eggs that are looking well. Only time will tell.