Spotted a turtle in your Massachusetts yard? These gentle creatures deserve a little care and attention.
I’ve gathered seven things every homeowner should do to keep turtles safe and happy. You can enjoy the visit without stressing out your new slow-moving guest.
1. Stop and Observe From a Distance
Before rushing over, take a moment to watch the turtle from where you stand. Massachusetts turtles can get stressed when humans approach too quickly, especially during nesting season.
Keeping your distance lets you figure out what type of turtle it is and whether it needs assistance. Snapping turtles, common in the Bay State, can be aggressive if they feel threatened.
Grab your phone and snap a photo for identification later if needed.
2. Identify the Species Safely
Knowing what kind of turtle you found matters because different species have different needs. Painted turtles have colorful markings on their shells, while snapping turtles have rough, ridged backs and long tails.
Box turtles feature high-domed shells with yellow or orange patterns. Massachusetts is home to several native species, so a quick online search with your photo can help.
Never flip a turtle over to check its underside, as this causes unnecessary stress.
3. Check if the Turtle Needs Help
Not every turtle you encounter requires human intervention. If the turtle appears healthy and is moving purposefully across your property, it probably knows where it’s going.
Female turtles in Massachusetts often travel considerable distances during May and June to find perfect nesting spots. However, if the turtle seems injured, has visible cracks in its shell, or is stuck in a dangerous location like near a pool or road, it needs assistance.
Look for signs of distress carefully.
4. Help It Cross the Road Correctly
Roads are incredibly dangerous for turtles, and many Massachusetts residents find them trying to cross busy streets. If you decide to help, always move the turtle in the direction it was already heading, never back where it came from.
Pick up smaller turtles by grasping both sides of the shell near the middle. For snapping turtles, use a shovel or car mat to scoot them across, keeping your hands away from their powerful jaws.
5. Never Relocate to a New Area
That pond down the street might look perfect, but moving a turtle to a new location can actually harm it. Turtles in Massachusetts have strong connections to their home territories and know where to find food, shelter, and mates.
Relocating them disrupts their survival instincts and may place them in unfamiliar, dangerous situations. Even moving a turtle a few hundred feet can confuse it and cause problems.
Let nature take its course whenever possible.
6. Contact Wildlife Experts for Injuries
Injured turtles need professional medical care that most homeowners cannot provide. Massachusetts has several wildlife rehabilitation centers that specialize in treating sick or wounded turtles.
If you spot a turtle with shell damage, bleeding, or signs of illness, place it gently in a ventilated box with a damp towel and contact a local wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Keep the turtle in a quiet, temperature-controlled space until help arrives.
Never attempt to treat injuries yourself with household products.
7. Create a Turtle-Friendly Yard
Want to help Massachusetts turtles thrive? Make your property welcoming by leaving natural areas with tall grass and native plants where turtles can forage and nest.
Avoid using pesticides and chemicals that can harm reptiles and their food sources. If you have a pool, install a turtle ramp so any accidental swimmers can escape easily.
Creating safe corridors between habitats helps local turtle populations flourish throughout the Bay State for generations to come.