Healthy and safe
If the turtle is not injured and not in danger, leave it alone. It may simply be passing through.
Wildlife safety guide
Turtle Found Outside: What To Do
Finding a turtle outside can make you want to help right away. Sometimes the best help is to leave it alone. Sometimes it needs qualified local help.
Wildlife safety note
This page gives general animal-care information. It does not replace a veterinarian, wildlife rehabilitator, or local animal authority.
First decision
Is the turtle safe right now?
Crossing a road
If you can help safely, move it in the same direction it was already going. Do not turn it around or move it far away.
Injured or trapped
If the turtle is bleeding, cracked, weak, stuck, or badly stressed, contact qualified local help.
Important
Do not take a wild turtle home as a pet.
A turtle found outside may be wild, protected, or hard to care for properly. Taking it home can harm the turtle and may be illegal in some places.
Children and wildlife
Teach children to look, not grab.
Turtles can be stressed by handling. Some may bite or scratch if scared. Have children wash hands after being near wildlife.
What not to do
Avoid these common mistakes
Do not keep it
Do not assume you can keep a turtle found outside. Contact a local wildlife or animal authority if unsure.
Do not put every turtle in water
Some turtles live mostly on land. Putting the wrong turtle into deep water can be dangerous.
Do not repair shells yourself
Do not glue, tape, paint, drill, or patch a turtle shell. Injuries need qualified help.
When to call for help
Call a wildlife rehabilitator, veterinarian, animal control, local rescue, or other qualified local resource if you see a cracked shell, bleeding, fishing line, trouble moving, weakness, swelling, trouble breathing, or severe distress.
Common questions
Simple answers
Should I feed it?
Do not feed random human food. If the turtle seems to need help, contact a wildlife or reptile professional.
What if my dog picked it up?
Check for injury and contact qualified help if there is any damage, stress, or concern.
What if it is in my yard?
If it is not injured or trapped, keep pets and children away and let it move on.