Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: Eastern Painted Turtle

In May we received an adult female Eastern Painted Turtle that came to us after being hit by a car. Unfortunately, she had to be euthanized due to the severity of her injuries. But her story doesn’t end there – she was carrying eggs!

Photos / Blue Ridge Wildlife Center

We carefully harvested the eggs and placed them in an incubator to give them an opportunity to develop and hatch. Nearly two months later, this mom’s five babies hatched! They were quickly released at the location where their mom was found.

Baby turtles (and other reptiles and amphibians) do NOT need additional care after hatching. If you find a baby turtle, unless they’re injured or ill, please leave them be. If they are in a roadway or on a trail, simply help them across in the direction they were heading.

Looking for an easy way to help native wildlife? Become a monthly BRWC donor! For as little as $5/month, you can provide year-round, sustainable support that helps us fulfill our mission.