HELPING INJURED TURTLES

ROADSIDE DIAGNOSIS

During your travels in a motor vehicle, ATV, bike, or foot, you may spot a turtle recently struck by a motor vehicle that you think is dead or beyond hope. You could be wrong. We ask that you please read the following thoroughly and weigh it in your decision about how best to handle this type of turtle encounter. 

Turtles have a very unique body chemistry. They have a slow metabolism that can take days, weeks, or longer for a turtle to succumb to injuries sustained by a motor 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 truly DEAD. It would take vets or individuals specifically trained in such matters to determine accurately when and if a turtle is dead. A turtle's shell could be cracked and broken into many pieces, and there may be internal injuries, but even in this horrible state, a turtle can remain ALIVE. Determining that a turtle's heart has stopped often requires an ECG to determine this accurately. 

Rather than an injured turtle being left at a roadside or in a ditch to slowly succumb to the heat of the sun, dehydration, and pain from injuries sustained, or predators, the kindest thing that could be done for a turtle in this circumstance is to call the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (OTCC) home of Ontario's turtle hospital at 705-741-5000 when you are with the turtle. Their trained staff will assess the situation. This could result in arrangements for the turtle to be admitted to the OTCC or the nearest first response team licensed and trained to administer pain medication while arrangements are made for the turtle to be transferred to the OTCC. 

While the outcome for an injured turtle may unfortunately lead to euthanization, it's important to remember that the turtle would no longer be suffering. If the turtle is a female, she may be carrying eggs. In such cases, the OTCC medical team would extract the eggs, and if viable, they would then be incubated. Later, it is hoped that hatchings will be released at the point of origin where the mother turtle was initially located. As the finder, you will be notified of hatchlings being ready for release and invited to share them if you choose to. This process can bring a sense of hope and optimism in the face of a difficult situation.

NOT ALL VETS TREAT TURTLES

Please do not assume that a private animal clinic, wildlife rehabilitator, or animal shelter in the area you are located or visiting will admit a turtle or is trained to offer turtle first aid or treatment. It is always best to call the OTCC to speak with them about the injured turtle you have found. OTCC works with over ''35'' licensed First Response Centres, private animal clinics, and wildlife rehabilitators throughout Ontario trained in ''basic'' turtle first aid and pain management. All injured turtles should be reported to the OTCC. 

When you speak with the OTCC staff, they will assess the circumstances and determine the best course of action for the injured turtle or, as may be the case, concerns regarding turtle eggs/nests. If necessary, they will direct you to the nearest First Response Centre with an individual or team able to administer basic first aid and/or pain management and temporarily admit the turtle until arrangements can be made to transfer it to the OTCC. The availability of each First Response individual or team varies; many volunteer their services, so when OTCC has referred you to a First Response Centre, please call the private animal clinic and/or wildlife rehabilitator you were referred to before going there to arrange a drop-off time.

IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT INJURED TURTLES

If you find an injured turtle, it's crucial to remember that attempting to treat a wounded Ontario turtle, no matter how mild you think an injury is or how knowledgeable you feel you are when it comes to administering first aid, is not the best course of action. The turtle may have sustained internal injuries that can only be detected by a veterinarian and x-ray. By calling the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (OTCC) Hotline at 705-741-5000, no matter where you are in Ontario, you can be reassured that you're taking the best step to ensure the turtle's well-being.

It's important to be aware that it is illegal to remove a turtle from the wild or have a turtle species native to Ontario in your possession unless the turtle is injured and admitted to the OTCC. While the idea of using information or products you have read about to treat injured turtles on the internet or social media may seem like something most anyone can do, it's crucial to remember that it is illegal for someone not officially qualified and registered with the province to treat injured Ontario turtles. By being aware of these legal implications, you can ensure that you're acting responsibly and in the best interest of the turtle. 

The improper use or application of techniques/products sourced from the internet risks further harming an injured turtle and can even result in death. Preventing an injured turtle from getting proper medical attention equates to cruelty and abuse and can be reported to the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) at 1-833-9-ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625). Please leave any turtle-related medical treatments to qualified veterinarians. Thank you.

ROADSIDE RESCUE KIT

Be prepared for all turtle encounters!

By being prepared with a supply of items that would be commonly used in such circumstances, you can make a significant difference in the welfare of turtles. Your actions can ease their stress and potentially save their lives. 

Some items to consider include a large plastic storage tote with a lid and air holes in the lid that you can use to put all your roadside rescue supplies in. It doubles as a container that is a suitable size to transport an injured snapping turtle should the need arise. The larger the container you can store in your vehicle, the greater your chances of accommodating various-sized turtles. Alternatively, flat-packing some sturdy cardboard boxes in your vehicle and including a roll of duct tape helps ease the stress of finding an injured turtle and being unprepared. Boxes can be reassembled if needed. If using cardboard boxes, please make sure they are well-ventilated. 

In your turtle roadside rescue kit, it is recommended you include gloves, disinfectant wipes, a high visibility safety vest is a must, a smaller plastic container with a lid with air holes to transport smaller turtles like painted turtles, a towel or rags, a small silicone cutting board to slide under tiny turtles like a gurney, notepad, and pen to record point of origin details, a small safety pylon perhaps 2 with experience you will find there may be other items you want to add, such as a first aid kit, or a flashlight for safety. Each person's turtle roadside rescue kit will vary.