Wildlife Rescue League

🐢Slow down and watch for turtles on the road!

It's nesting season, and turtles across Virginia are on the move in search of places to lay their eggs. Unfortunately, our helpline is receiving multiple calls every day about turtles, including box turtles and aquatic species like snapping turtles, that have been severely injured after being struck by vehicles.

Turtles play an important role in our ecosystems, but many species are facing population declines. Unlike some wildlife, turtles reproduce slowly and can take many years to reach adulthood. The loss of even one adult turtle, especially a female carrying eggs, can have a significant impact on local populations. Simply put, we are losing too many turtles.

If you see what looks like a rock in the road, take a second look - it may be a turtle. If it is safe to do so, stop and help it cross by moving it to the side of the road in the direction it was already traveling. Never move a turtle to a different location or turn it around, as it likely knows exactly where it is going.

When helping snapping turtles, use caution - they can reach their heads back to two-thirds of their body length. Only pick them up by the rear of their shell (to avoid injury for yourself), and never by the tail (to avoid injury for the turtle). Another option is to prod them onto a car mat and slide the mat across the road in the direction they were going. If you are uncomfortable assisting, consider directing traffic around the turtle or contacting local authorities or a wildlife rehabilitator for help.

If you find an injured turtle (or any injured wildlife) please call the Wildlife Rescue League helpline at (703) 440-0800. A simple act of kindness can save a life and help protect Virginia's native wildlife for generations to come.

Wildlife Rescue League - Support Northern Virginia Wildlife Rehabilitators Wildlife Rescue League is a non-profit providing care for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife with the intent of releasing them back into their habitat.

Today we’re spotlighting three WRL volunteers - Kirsten Hampshire, Jennifer Rokasky, and Casey Nolan!

Kirsten, Jennifer, and Casey have a combined 15 years of volunteer service between them! Kirsten has been volunteering for a year and a half as a transporter, Jennifer for six and a half years as a helpline volunteer and assisting Volunteer Coordinator Linda with volunteer screening calls - as well as currently serving on the Board of Directors, and Casey has been volunteering for nearly 8 years - serving on the Board of Directors, coordinating the Trifecta lecture series, helping with helpline volunteer training, and working as a helpline volunteer.

We thank Kirsten, Jennifer, and Casey for all they’ve done to help wildlife in need! Read more about their contributions here: 🔗bit.ly/WRLVSKH2 🔗bit.ly/WRLVSJR 🔗bit.ly/WRLVSCN