How to Help a Turtle Cross the Road

If you’ve ever seen a turtle crossing a road – a common occurrence in spring and early summer – you can help both the turtle and the drivers if you can safely get it out of the way.

But first, if your turtle appears to be injured – for example, if it is bleeding or has a cracked shell from being hit by a car – see your local wildlife rehabilitation specialist.

Many turtles hide in their shells when you approach, but some may take a defensive stance. There are definitely some turtles that can seriously hurt you, so take a minute to get it right.

Make sure it’s safe for you to help

If your turtle is in the middle of a busy highway, don’t risk your life to help it. (This should be taken for granted, but we talk about it anyway, just in case.)

If it is safe to do so and you stop your car to help the reptiles, put on flashers and be on the lookout. If you have a friend with you, ask him to keep an eye on oncoming traffic.

Pick up the turtle by the back of the shell.

Some turtles, including snapping turtles, have necks that are long enough that they can bite you if you just grab them by the middle of their shells. To stay safe, approach from behind.

Take the turtle by the back of the shell. If the turtle is small to medium in size, you can stick your hand under it (again, from behind) and carry it away to safety.

Don’t take it by the tail: the turtle’s spine runs from the neck through the shell (in fact, it fused with the inside of the shell) to the tip of the tail. So, asthis video from theToronto Zoo shows, if you grab a turtle by the tail, you can dislocate its spine.

If the turtle is large and you cannot lift it from the back, you have other options, as shown in the video below. Here’s one: Take a floor mat from the car (or any other comfortable, flat, thin object) and drag your turtle onto it. Then, while keeping your hand on the back of the turtle shell, drag the mat-turtle combo across the road.

Move the turtle in the direction it was walking.

Use a little logic here: Why did the turtle cross the road? To get to the other side. Often the turtles are on the move because they are trying to get to the place to lay their eggs. If you move the turtle back, it may try to cross the road again. Help your little friend by moving him in the right direction.

For the same reason, do not move your turtle to another location or take it home as a pet. It is a wild animal with its own home and familiar surroundings; let it be.