Hands-on Help
If you see a turtle on or about to cross the road, first make sure it is safe for you to help. If no cars are coming, you can help the turtle across the road in the direction they are going. Small turtles can safely be picked up by holding either side of the shell. Even little ones may bite if they are scared, so keep your fingers away from the mouth! When you see a snapping turtle on the road, it is best to get an adult to help you get him or her safely across the road. Keep your hands away from the front half of the body. Approach the turtle from behind, place your hand under their plastron and lift. They can snap quite quickly and their neck can come out quite far, so hold them away from the body.
Always wash your hands after handling a turtle, as they can sometimes have bacteria on their body.
Turtle Crossing
If you live in an area where turtles need to cross the road to get to their nesting areas or food sources, you can help by asking your local government to post “turtle crossing” signs. The Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre got its start when children in the Peterborough, Ontario, region became concerned about what they were seeing on the roads. They started the “Kids for Turtles” program to lobby for signs. Later, other people came on board and the center was formed. One child really can make a difference!
Volunteer
At the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, we welcome volunteers of all ages, as do many organizations like us. Children can volunteer with the supervision of their parents, and many also help with fundraisers to feed or treat a turtle. Some hold theme birthday parties, with participants donating to the turtle projects, while others may have bake sales or T-shirt sales. Still others hold larger fundraisers, and have even raised enough money to donate a microscope.
Turtles as Pets?
If you decide that you want a turtle as a pet, the best way to get one is through a facility that arranges adoptions of previously abandoned turtles. Remember, though, that turtles take a lot of specialized care to keep healthy. They require a lot of cleaning, and a lot of space — plus, they live a long, long time!
Learn More
There is so much good information out there about turtles, their lives and the ways in which they are threatened. If you want to learn more about the turtles in your area, or about a specific species that interests you, do some research!