Turtles in Trouble

Help protect nature’s slow mascots! Turtles in forests and freshwaters are under a lot of stress. Together we can take the slow and steady path to helping our wild turtles thrive.

Duration:

5 minutes, 56 seconds

With recent declines in turtle populations, the National Park Service is working with scientists to study how to help protect them. Turtles are long lived, slow to mature, and take a long time to be able to reproduce, so every individual in a population is important to protect. We can help turtles by safeguarding clean water and wetlands and learning more about these amazing creatures.

You Can Help

• Slow your roll and watch for turtles crossing roads and trails—especially during nesting season in late May and early June when turtles leave the water in search of places to lay their eggs.
• Leave turtles where they are. Some species are territorial and cannot tolerate moves. Moving turtles can also spread diseases and muddy local gene pools. For the same reasons, don’t abandon pet turtles in natural areas.
• Keep cats and dogs at home or on a leash. Free roaming pets can kill or injure wildlife.
• Protect turtle habitat by protecting clean water and wetlands.

Where to See Turtles

Turtles are cold-blooded reptiles and regularly need to bask in the sun. Watch from a distance as turtles bask on logs and rocks to regulate their body temperature.

Tags: cape hatteras national seashore, cape lookout national seashore, catoctin mountain park, chesapeake & ohio canal national historical park, george washington memorial parkway, harpers ferry national historical park, national capital parks-east , prince william forest park, upper delaware scenic & recreational river, turtles, freshwater turtles, reptiles, wildlife, ncr, ser, nature, natural resource quarterly, ner