DOn't ASSUME TURTLE IS DEAD

Please Do Not Assume A Turtle Is Dead

By Kelly Wallace

Turtles have thrived for over 200 million years but now face their most significant challenges in our modern world. The most typical place to find an injured turtle is either on the road or along the side of a road. Making roads and motor vehicles major contributors to population declines, particularly through the nesting season from mid-May to mid-July. During this time, female turtles leave the safety of the water to lay their eggs on land, making them vulnerable to vehicle strikes. Despite their vulnerability to motor vehicles, turtles have shown remarkable resilience. Many who receive prompt medical attention can recover from their injuries, and the precious eggs they carry go on to survive. This is a testament to their strength and the hope they bring to grassroots conservation efforts.

For this reason, it is crucial not to make assumptions when you encounter a turtle that has been hit by a vehicle. Presuming it's deceased could lead to more harm, such as leaving a turtle exposed to further injury, or worse, causing its death by not seeking immediate help. 

We receive calls daily this time of year from citizens who safely stopped to check on a turtle that had been run over. So often, the caller informs us they were convinced that the turtle was dead, and then, much to their surprise, the turtle blinked its eyes, or poked its head out of its shell, or moved its hind leg despite being significantly damaged. Frequently, people learn that a turtle they thought was dead is alive. As we often say, 'Turtles are physically unlike any other animal.' Their survival ability demonstrates their uniqueness and adaptability even with severe injuries. 

Please note that 'turtles rarely die instantly' after being struck by a motor vehicle.

Due to their singular structure, chemistry, and the physics behind their body functions, it can take days, weeks, or longer for a turtle to succumb to injuries sustained by a vehicle strike, meaning a slow and agonizing death. In the case of a fresh strike, we, as concerned citizens, do not have the medical expertise to determine if a turtle is genuinely DEAD. Death is declared based on the absence of heartbeat, respiration, and the loss of brain function. A turtle's shell could be cracked and broken into many pieces, and there is head trauma, or there may be internal injuries, but even in this horrible state, a turtle can remain ALIVE. Veterinarians or individuals specifically trained in such matters have stated that when it comes to turtles, an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is often required to accurately determine if a turtle's heart has stopped. 

We cannot stress enough how important it is that people understand a mortally wounded turtle, like a person when hurt, will be in severe pain. Moving an injured turtle into a ditch or leaving it on the road can expose a turtle to further injury, extreme temperatures, dehydration, or predators. Many injured turtles are treated, rehabilitated, and recovered to be returned to their natural habitat. That starts with getting them off the hot, noisy roadway or road shoulder when it is safe. All injured turtles, like a cat, dog, or person, need medical attention.

An injured turtle who returns to the wild without medical attention will struggle to survive and risk infection and predator attacks. Without proper care, their injuries can worsen, leading to a slow and painful death. 

Turtles, especially during the spring and early summer, may carry eggs that can be saved even if the mother cannot. The turtle shell protects the eggs. There are a large number of cases where eggs survive. Even if just one, it may be the egg that develops to replace the mother.

Injured Turtles

If you encounter an injured turtle, it's vital to act immediately. Your swift action may give the turtle a fighting chance at survival. By following the steps below, you can provide the necessary help and take control of the situation:

Retrieve the turtle from the road or harm's way when and if it is safe.

Once you've safely retrieved the turtle, please place it in a well-ventilated box or tote. The aim is to keep the turtle contained and as calm as possible to prevent further injury. If you don't have a box or tote, call a family member or friend who can assist. If possible, place a dry towel on the bottom of the box or tote and put the turtle on top. Do not give the turtle water, food, or first aid. And never transport or put an injured turtle in the water, even in the smallest amount, as the turtle could drown. 

Pin the location or write down the address where the turtle was found.

Call the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (OTCC), home of Ontario's turtle hospital, at 705-741-5000 when you are with the turtle. The OTCC admits injured turtles from anywhere in Ontario. They provide medical care at 'no' charge and have turtle taxi volunteers to assist with transportation if you cannot drive the turtle to the OTCC or nearest first responder as arranged.

Efforts to help are worthwhile!

OTCC is permitted to extract eggs and incubate them. The hatchlings are returned to the body of water nearest where the mother was found. Turtle shells are comprised of upwards of fifty bones, which, with proper medical care, can be mended just like humans. It is better that a turtle be examined by a vet and, if treatment is not possible, euthanized than slowly dying on a roadside or being carried off by a predator. The OTCC reports a recovery rate of over 60% for injured turtles admitted.

Let's help injured turtles. Act now; be prepared for turtle encounters.

It will be easier and less stressful if you have items in your vehicle that would be commonly used should you spot an injured turtle. We recommend putting together a 'Roadside Rescue Kit.' These items can help you aid a wounded turtle and ensure your safety during the rescue process. Suggestions include a large tote and a small one with air holes to transport various-sized turtles, a high visibility vest, gloves, disinfectant wipes for your protection, a towel or rags, a notepad, and a pen to record the turtle's point of origin. If you cannot fit a tote, flat-pack some boxes and add a roll of duct tape to reassemble them if needed. 

Note: Do not drive by an injured turtle and post about it on social media or send Think Turtle a Facebook message or e-mail about it. Phone us at 647-606-9537 ASAP when you are 'WITH' the turtle. We know a network of people and are good at developing solutions. 

Your role in conserving turtles is not just important; it's invaluable. When encountering an injured turtle, your actions could save a life and even an entire generation. We sincerely appreciate your contribution and great kindness in this noble cause.

To contact the author, e-mail thinkturtle@yahoo.com or visit the Think Turtle Conservation Initiative website at http://www.thinkturtle.ca.

Newspaper Article (Print): Wallace, K. (2024, June 28). Please do not assume a turtle is dead. 

Bancroft This Week, p. 4 , bancroftthisweek.com.