The Wildlife Center of Virginia “Shell-Abrates” World Turtle Day

Every May, the Center releases a number of Woodland Box Turtles that have been recovering over winter back into the wild. This release happens to coincide with World Turtle Day on May 23. To celebrate the occasion, Center educators will host a live-streaming virtual discussion with Certified Master Herpetologist Ana Sparks. Event watchers will learn about the natural history of Virginia’s native turtles, the challenges they are facing in wild, and the conservation measures taken to protect them. Wilson, one of the Center’s non-releasable Woodland Box Turtles, will also make an appearance during the program. The stream will take place on the Wildlife Center’s Facebook page on May 23 at 2:00 pm.

Wildlife enthusiasts can learn more about Virginia’s turtles in other ways, too. S1:E3 of Untamed: Life is Wild, an award-winning television series co-produced by the Wildlife Center of Virginia and VPM, features discussions on the causes of admission for turtles, including vehicle collisions, and swallowing fish hooks, pesticides, and more. The Center’s hospital director describes how these injuries are treated, and host Ed Clark reviews how humans can change their behavior to help turtles. Each episode of Untamed is available to watch online for free via wildlifecenter.org/untamed.

However you celebrate World Turtle Day, remember these tips to help turtles year-round:

• Assist turtles crossing the road by carrying them across in the direction they’re headed. Many turtles crossing roads are egg-laden females looking for appropriate nesting sites.
• Do NOT relocate a turtle to a “better place.” Turtles have small home territories and should be left where they are found. Their survivability depends on it!
• Don’t ever keep a wild turtle as a pet. If you truly desire a pet reptile and can make all of the commitments necessary to keeping a healthy, happy herp, please look into adopting. Captive-bred reptiles or rescued turtles are available for adoption in the state of Virginia through several different organizations, such as Blue Ridge Reptile Rescue.
• Watch out for turtles and other wildlife when mowing lawns and doing other yard work.
• If you find an injured turtle, put it in a box and contact the Wildlife Center of Virginia or a permitted wildlife rehabilitator. Make sure to record details of the rescue location so that the turtle can be returned there once it has healed.