Reptile & Amphibian FAQ – Second Chance Wildlife

Are capable of living on their own in the wild without any parental support no matter how small they seem.
Are best left where they are found.
Should not be relocated — let them decide where they want to be.
Are capable of defending themselves.
Are completely able to find food and feed themselves.

Second Chance Wildlife Helpline: 513-875-3433

Arrowhead Reptile Rescue: 513-442-HERP (4377)

Found an injured turtle?

Place the injured turtle on a towel inside of a container with ventilation.
Place the container with the turtle in a dark and quiet area.
Do not keep the turtle in the sun or in a hot space.
Do not offer food.
Water may be offered in a very shallow bowl or lid.
Do not allow the turtle to immerse itself in water or get any wounds wet.
Keep the turtle away from children and pets.
Do not attempt to treat any wounds yourself with any medicines, topical ointments, glues or creams.

Second Chance Wildlife Helpline: 513-875-3433

Arrowhead Reptile Rescue: 513-442-HERP (4377)

Found a turtle crossing the road?

Move the turtle to the side of the road in the direction it was headed towards.
Do not move it to a new area or location from where it was found.
Relocated turtles will spend their lives trying to return to their home territory.

Second Chance Wildlife Helpline: 513-875-3433

Arrowhead Reptile Rescue: 513-442-HERP (4377)

Found a snapping turtle and I am afraid it will hurt my children or pets?

Snapping turtles are usually just traveling through and won’t stay.
Keep children and pets away from the turtle, allowing it to move peacefully through your yard.
If you choose, you may relocate a snapping turtle to a pond or lake near where it was found.

Second Chance Wildlife Helpline: 513-875-3433

Arrowhead Reptile Rescue: 513-442-HERP (4377)

Found a turtle laying eggs in my yard?

The female will dig a shallow hole for her nest, then deposit her eggs, cover the nest, and leave.
There is no need to protect the nest.
Do not move the nest.
Do not enclose the area which could trap the hatchlings and prevent them from leaving.
Watch for hatchlings when performing lawn maintenance in the area.
Do not interfere – allow the hatchlings to disperse on their own.
Typically, it takes about two months for the eggs to hatch.

Second Chance Wildlife Helpline: 513-875-3433

Arrowhead Reptile Rescue: 513-442-HERP (4377)

Found a turtle in an unsafe location?

Most turtle’s lifetime range is very small.
If the turtle is in obvious danger, move it only far enough so it is out of immediate danger.
Do not relocate the turtle to a new area.
Watch for turtles when mowing grass.

Second Chance Wildlife Helpline: 513-875-3433

Arrowhead Reptile Rescue: 513-442-HERP (4377)