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Found A Turtle?

Florida is home to many turtle species and knowing which one you’re dealing with matters. A turtle simply crossing a road or moving through a yard often doesn’t need help — but an injured one does.

Our team is here to help you figure out the right next step.

If the turtle is injured or you’re not sure what species you’re dealing with, please call right away.

Call 904-779-5569
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Step-by-Step Guide

What to Do When You Find a Turtle

Turtles are one of Florida’s most ancient and resilient creatures — but they still need our help when they’re injured or in danger. Before stepping in, it helps to know what kind of turtle you’re dealing with, since the right response can vary significantly by species.
How to help

Quick Steps to Help

Before approaching any turtle, ask two questions: what species is it, and is it actually in trouble? A turtle on the move usually just needs a clear path — find your situation below.

✓ Crossing a Road or Yard

Moving and uninjured? Give it a clear path.

A turtle moving purposefully — crossing a road, heading toward water, or traveling through a yard — is simply going somewhere. If it's healthy and not in immediate danger, the best thing you can do is get out of its way.

➡️ If you move a turtle off a road, always move it in the direction it was already heading — never turn it around or relocate it elsewhere.
  1. Let it pass if it's safe to do so. Stop traffic if needed, then let the turtle cross on its own. Most turtles are faster than you'd expect.
  2. If you must move it, use gloves or a towel and carry it low to the ground. Always move it in the direction it was heading — to the opposite side of the road or hazard, not back where it came from.
  3. Snapping or softshell turtles need extra care. Both can move quickly and bite hard. Slide a flat shovel under a large snapper rather than lifting by hand. Keep fingers well away from the head.
  4. Do not relocate it to a new area. Turtles have strong homing instincts and territorial ranges. Moving a turtle far from where it was found causes serious harm.
🏛️ Gopher Tortoises Are Federally Protected If it's a gopher tortoise, leave it alone unless it's in immediate danger on a road. You may move it a short distance to safety — always in the direction it was heading. You cannot relocate, disturb, or interfere with gopher tortoises or their burrows without a permit. Unoccupied burrows are also protected. For burrow questions, contact FWC at (386) 758-0525.
📞 Questions? Call us.
! Injured or In Danger

Injured, shell damaged, or can't move? Call us.

If the turtle appears injured, has a cracked or damaged shell, is unresponsive, or is in a location it clearly cannot navigate out of safely, it needs help. Handle with care and call us right away.

  1. Use gloves or a towel — no bare hands. Even an injured turtle can scratch or bite. Keep your hands well back from the head, especially with snapping or softshell turtles.
  2. Place it in a secure box. A cardboard box or plastic tub with ventilation works well. Keep the box in a cool, quiet place out of direct sunlight.
  3. A small shallow dish of water is okay. Unlike most wildlife, turtles can be offered a bottle-cap-sized dish of water while they wait. Make sure it's shallow enough that an injured turtle can't tip into it.
  4. Take a photo if possible. A photo of the species and injuries helps our team assess the situation before you arrive.
  5. Call us right away. Do not attempt to treat shell damage or other injuries yourself.
🚫 Never place an injured turtle in water. An injured turtle may have internal injuries or be too weak to stay afloat. Even placing it in a shallow pond can cause it to drown. Keep it on dry, stable ground until you've spoken with a rehabilitator.
⚠️Do not offer food. Water is fine — food is not, until a rehabilitator has assessed the animal.
📞 (904) 779-5569
Did You Know

Quick Turtle Facts

A little context helps you make better decisions in the moment.

📜 Ancient Species

Turtles are ancient reptiles that have been around for over 200 million years. They come in various sizes and can be found in both water and on land, showcasing their adaptability to different environments.

🐢 Shell Anatomy

The shell is part of their skeleton, consisting of the top carapace and bottom plastron, which they cannot remove.

🏝️ Long-Distance Travelers

Leatherback sea turtles can migrate over 10,000 miles in a year.

🕰️ Long Lifespans

Some turtle species can live for 80 years or more, with some exceeding 100 years.

Your compassion makes healing possible

Every rescue and second chance begins with caring people like you. Your support helps provide medical care, safe rehabilitation, and the time wildlife needs to heal and return to the wild where they belong.

Make a Donation

Together, we can protect and care for the wildlife that shares our community.