CALIFORNIA, Md. – As turtle breeding season approaches, Maryland residents are urged to exercise caution on the roads and aid these slow-moving creatures in their journey where possible. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources calls for drivers to give turtles a “brake” as they cross roads to reach their breeding and nesting sites.
Common turtle species seen on roads include the eastern box turtles, snapping turtles, painted turtles, and red-eared sliders. If you encounter a turtle on the road, ensure your safety first, then help the turtle cross in the direction it was initially headed. It is important not to relocate them far from where they were found or return them to the side they started from, as this could disrupt their territorial instincts and breeding patterns.
Be careful when handling turtles, especially snapping turtles, known for their powerful bites. The turtle should be picked up gently with two hands, supporting both the top and underside of the shell. Prolonged handling should be avoided.
While the prospect of taking a wild turtle home might be tempting, it is essential to keep wildlife wild for the welfare of both the animals and people. Wild turtles can carry diseases and parasites, and their care often requires specific knowledge and resources. Furthermore, several turtle species in Maryland are experiencing a decline in their wild populations.
Legal protections are in place for turtles, prohibiting the removal of some species from the wild. It is also unlawful to keep any turtle under four inches in length. Captive-bred reptiles or those not native to Maryland should not be released into the wild.
Those interested in keeping a turtle as a pet can seek more information from the Mid-Atlantic Turtle and Tortoise Society, which provides opportunities for turtle and tortoise adoption.
The rules and regulations regarding turtle capture and ownership aim to protect wild populations and prevent disease spread. More information about permits for captive reptiles, conditions for release, and species lists is available online.
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