HOW YOU CAN HELP
► Know the law: It is illegal to possess turtles designated as Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Virginia’s 2015 Wildlife Action Plan. For species that are not on that list, except for snapping turtles, one native or naturalized species per household may be kept for private use but not for sale or export. For more information visit the Virginia Department of Wildlife website at https://dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/ nuisance/turtles/
► Leave it alone: Adult turtles have well defined home ranges. Relocating them will disorient them and expose them to predators and other hazards. Many turtles moving about in the spring are females with eggs searching for a suitable nest site. Picking them up and taking them home not only removes an adult from the population, but her babies as well.
► Road mortality: If a turtle needs to be moved out of harm’s way, place it on the side of the road, facing in the direction it was traveling.
► Prevent poaching: Be cautious of individuals you may encounter on state and federal lands who are carrying items that could be used to capture and hold animals. If you notice suspicious behavior or someone illegally collecting, or possessing turtles, contact the DWR Wildlife Crime Line (1-800-237-5712 or WildCrime@dwr. virginia.gov). Do not post the location of protected turtles on social media. Poachers use apps to find them.
► No longer wanted: ere are strict regulations about releasing a wild-caught turtle back into the wild. Never release a nonnative or storebought turtle into the wild. Finding a home for a pet turtle can be di cult. Check local nature centers or Virginia Reptile Rescue ( reptile.rescueme.org/ Virginia) for options.
If you are interested in owning a pet turtle, here are a few helpful hints
► Never take home a wild turtle
► Only purchase captive-bred turtles from a reliable source
► Know the life history and husbandry requirements of the turtle you are thinking about obtaining. Some species can live more than 100 years and have very specific needs.