Maritime Aquarium Cautions About Turtles On The Move

NORWALK, CT — With the weather warming up, residents may have noticed an increase in small turtles on the move in their town. Some may even be tempted to assist the small and, at times, helpless-looking creatures, however the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk is asking that people only interact with them if necessary.

According to a press release, the aquarium's director of Animal Husbandry, Barrett Christie, said they have recently encountered several well-meaning callers who "rescued" hatchling diamondback terrapins, a protected coastal species. One hatchling was even delivered to the aquarium.

"Often, upon being handled by humans or brought in to human care, turtles cannot be returned to their natural habitats," Christie said in a release. "We’re glad that people are concerned for the welfare of turtles as they find them, but it’s important to know what to do and what not to do."

According to the aquarium's publicist, Dave Sigworth, diamondback terrapins are listed in Connecticut as a "species of special concern" and are also the state’s only turtles that spend their lives in the brackish waters of Long Island Sound’s tidal rivers and marshes. Hatchlings might now be encountered heading from shoreline nests to the water.

"Hatchlings are small and adorable, but the best thing to do is to just let them be on their way," Christie said. "The only help they might need is to be safely carried across a road in the direction they were heading. But first you should make sure that you’re not putting yourself at risk by stopping on the road."

According to Sigworth, that advice also holds true for Connecticut’s freshwater turtles, whose females look for places on land to lay their eggs in the spring. Of particular note are snapping turtles, which can deliver a powerful maiming bite.

"If you come across a snapping turtle on a road, do not try to pick it up," Christie said. "Even if you think your hands are safely out of its reach, snapping turtles’ necks can extend much further than you expect. The best thing to do is find a long stick to nudge it across the road in the direction it was facing."

For further information, visit www.maritimeaquarium.org.