How To Help Turtles On The Move Across Rhode Island This Spring

RHODE ISLAND — As temperatures continue to climb this spring, turtles across Rhode Island will leave brumation — a dormant period brought on by cold weather — in search of food and places to nest.

Turtles' springtime sojourns often take them through risky terrain, including across busy roadways, the Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife Outdoor Education warns Rhode Islanders.

Additionally, because turtles populations are small and isolated — and because the creatures can take up to a decade to reach sexual maturity — the death of a single turtle could impact an entire population.

There is good news, however. Rhode Island drivers who spot turtles in danger can lend a helping hand. To help a turtle, one should simply pick it up with two hands on either side of its shell and gently place it on the side of the road it was headed toward.

Turtles should not be picked up by their tail or moved to a different location.

"Turtles know where they're going..." the division of fish and wildlife said in a Facebook post.

While turtle injuries are unavoidable, residents can help out injured terrapins by calling the Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island at (401) 294-6363

Rhode Islanders who spot turtles in the wild can help the division of fish and wild life track and study turtle populations by reporting sightings on the free Herp Observer mobile application.

Click here to download the application and learn to report animal sightings. Data can also be submitted via desktop.