With development going on in every community, finding turtles in your own back yard or along the road has become common.  Late May through June is a particularly active time and many females move to nesting spots this time of year.  Turtles are most active at dawn and on rainy days.  These are the times when they are most likely to be found. Simply finding a turtle does not necessarily mean it needs to be rescued.

If You See An Uninjured Turtle On The Road

Box Turtles                                                                                                                             
If possible, move the turtle to the far side of the road in the direction it was traveling.  Move the turtle the shortest distance possible to the nearest wooded or grassy area.  Do not relocate and release box turtles to a “safer” area, even if it looks suitable for box turtles.  Turtles have a strong desire to return “home” and will likely be at greater risk from cars and roadways on their journey.
Relocating a turtle into a new population may also introduce disease for which the existing population is not able to tolerate.

Aquatic Turtles
If you find an uninjured, aquatic turtle on a road and there is a source of water in the area, help it cross the road and place it into the nearest lake or pond.  Whenever possible, release them into the water source closest to where you found them in the direction they were heading.

If You Have Found An Injured Turtle

If you find a turtle that has been hit by a car, chewed on by a dog, hit with a lawnmower or weed eater, or has an obvious illness like bubbles coming from the nose, large bumps around the ears, or an eye infection, then this turtle needs medical attention.  Place the turtle in a box lined with a towel or cloth.  Cover and make sure there are adequate air holes.  Do not place the turtle outside where predators can get it or where flies can land on it.  Transport the turtle to Carolina Wildlife Care or another reptile rehabilitator promptly.