Versailles, In. — Officials from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources say if you see a turtle trying to cross a road, feel free to help, but don’t take it home. Several of Indiana’s turtle species are illegal to take or possess, including the Eastern box turtle (pictured).
If you encounter a turtle who may need help, remember:
- People often encounter nesting females on roads during May and June. If a female is taken out of the wild, she can no longer add to the population.
- Turtles are long-lived species and have significant care requirements. Captive turtles cannot be released into the wild. They can introduce diseases or parasites to the wild population, and they will likely not survive.
- You can help turtles cross the road. Always move the turtle across the road in the direction that it was heading.
- Any turtle collected from the wild requires either a legal license or permit, and all reptile eggs and endangered species or species of special concern are protected.
There is more information online here.
