No matter how severe the injury, do not presume they are deceased- there is often hope...
Do not leave a turtle to suffer or succumb to predators. Turtles have nerves running through their upper shells (carapace) and can feel touch as well as pain. An injured carapace is akin to a broken leg, or worse!
Turtles can lose 70% of their blood and still recover. If their body cavity mostly retains their shape, or if their eyes are open please do not presume a turtle is dead.
Steps:
- Record the location you found the turtle (turtles have to be returned to their home territory to survive)
- If safe to do so, retrieve the turtle (with all shell fragments if found. Note that snapping turtles that are suffering deserve attention and will often be more docile as they are suffering)
- NOTE: You can take the turtle with you and someone can meet you to retrieve them and get them help!
- Call our hotline at 705-854-2888 or use our Turtle Tracker app to locate the nearest turtle hospital. IN CANADA- contact the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre at 705-741-5000 (home of Ontario's only Turtle Hospital) They have many volunteer turtle-taxi drivers who can meet you wherever you are at to retrieve and relay the turtle to the hospital.
- DO NOT feed them or give them water, and keep them dry, out of the immediate heat, in a well ventilated container. (You can use a car mat as a base for them; a carboard box, or any container with ventilation). Do not leave the turtle in a very hot or cold area (they should remain between room temperature and 28 degrees/82F).
If you need assistance beyond these resources, we may be able to help. Text us at 705-854-2888.
