Rescue 'Overwhelmed' By Rising Number Of Wounded Turtles On LI

JAMESPORT, NY — A rescue organization in Jamesport is "overwhelmed" by the number of injured turtles arriving at its doors.

According to Karen Testa, executive director of the Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons, scores of turtles are wounded in all kinds of ways.

"Our turtles are being hit by cars and boats. They’re suffering ear abscesses because of pesticide use on our lawns. Dogs are attacking them. Landscapers and bulldozers are digging them up from their hibernation," Testa said. "And they’re getting trapped in window wells and outside basement doors."

Testa said that the organization has seen increasing numbers of turtles dying because of exterior basement doors accessed by concrete steps. "What happens is that turtles and also rabbits and snakes find themselves trapped on the steps, where they often starve to death," Testa said.

She encouraged homeowners to install Bilco doors at the top of the stairs to save wildlife from deadly consequences.

Window wells, she noted, are also fatal for turtles and other wildlife, but there is a simple and inexpensive fix that homeowners can take to help protect wildlife.

"If you have a window well, putting a plastic cover over it will save a lot of turtles, rabbits and other wildlife from falling into the well and dying," she said.

Testa also urged homeowners to work with their landscapers to avoid unearthing turtles when they’re hibernating.

"Most turtles go to the same burrow every year to hibernate and sometimes, they shelter under a log or a leaf pile for the winter. They will dig below the frost line, so please don’t disturb them."

For years, Testa has fought to raise awareness of the plight of turtles on Long Island, including how to help turtles with cracked shells on the road, with a compelling social media post designed to educate, entitled, "I am not dead, please get me help ASAP."

"We’re losing so many turtles because the public is not aware that they play an important role in our ecosystem by dispersing seeds, adding calcium to the soil, keeping ticks under control," Testa said. "They are considered a Keystone species, which keeps our ecosystem in balance. Without them, it would collapse."

Currently at the rescue, Testa and her team are caring for more than 200 turtles, many of whom have debilitating injuries preventing them from ever being released into the wild again, she said.

If you spot a turtle that needs help, Testa asked that you call Turtle Rescue 24/7 at 632-779-3737 or text 516-729-7894.