Want to help your local box turtles?
Click here to learn more about box turtles and why we should help them.
Scroll to view tips for helping box turtles you might encounter in the wild.
Watch out for turtles in the road.
Box turtles often travel in warm or wet weather. Drive slowly and keep your eyes peeled for turtles crossing the road, so you can avoid them or help them cross.
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Roads are a major threat to eastern box turtles!
If the turtle is in the road:
If it is safe to do so, gently pick up the turtle and move it to a location several feet away from the road.
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Only move a turtle in the direction that it was heading, or it may turn and cross the road again. They have an excellent sense of direction!
Keep your dog on a leash in the forest!
Your dog may think turtles are snacks or toys.
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If your dog gets ahold of a turtle, carefully retrieve it and check for injury or shell damage before returning it to its habitat.
If the turtle is in the trail:
Stop and admire the turtle! Only move the turtle if it is in danger. For example, if the trail is popular for mountain biking, you may want to move the turtle out of the trail.
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Never remove a turtle from its habitat unless it needs medical attention.
If the turtle is sick or injured:
Contact a local licensed turtle rehab.​
In SC:​
1. Wildlife Rehab Group of South Carolina​
2. Upstate Turtle Rehab (Pelzer)
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If you would like to help injured turtles, donate to a local rehab facility!
Report illegal box turtle sales:
If you see someone illegally poaching or selling eastern box turtles, report the sales to a local authority.
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In SC, report to SCDNR.
1-800-922-5431​​
Do you have a yard or private property?
Common signs of illness
Look out for these common symptoms in wild turtles and contact a licensed rehab near you if you suspect illness.
Animal Help Now can help you locate a local rehab.
Ranavirus
- weakness/lethargy
- swollen eyes/eyelids
- discharge from nose or mouth
- ulcers on feet
Botfly myiasis
Aural abscess
- Bacterial infection caused by vitamin deficiency or exposure to pesticides.
- Causes swelling behind the eyes.
- Treatment requires surgery and antibiotics.
