07/08/2025
A Little Turtle PSA 🐢💚
We have 3 native species of turtles in NB. These are WILDLIFE, not lost pets! While we know it’s usually well intended, it’s doing more harm than good. We wanted to bring some awareness to a few key points that everyone should know as they enjoy their outdoor NB summer! 💚 Please share to help this information reach as many people as possible.
🐢 Female turtles do not provide maternal care to their babies- meaning they lay the eggs and leave forever. The babies hatch and begin their life totally independently. If you find eggs or a baby turtle (no matter how small) leave it be! They’re doing just fine!
🐢 The ONLY time it can be appropriate to interact with a turtle is if they are found crossing the road. You can carefully move them TOWARDS the side they are crawling (don’t try to turn them around- they will just try to cross again)! Do not attempt to relocate turtles beyond moving them off the road.
🐢 It is illegal and inhumane to take turtles from the wild as pets, as well as to release pet turtles (like Red Eared Sliders) into the wild. When possible, please avoid posting the location of turtle nests online, as some people may have harmful intent.
🐢 Turtles can survive a lot. If you see a turtle, even if it’s in very very poor condition, assume it is alive and call us, DNR or Atlantic Wildlife Institute for further advice. Turtles can have massive damage (shells torn open, etc) and still be alive. Additionally, the unlaid eggs of deceased females can be saved! Where our turtle populations are dwindling, conservation efforts are critical to their survival.
🐢 The Woods Turtle is globally listed as an endangered, and their populations are threatened in NB! Please read more about what you can do to help this species survive here:https://kswnsconservation.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SAR_Guide_Edition2-Wood-Turtle-59-60.pdf
If you have questions about turtles or any wildlife, message us and we can direct you to the proper resources.
