Slow & Steady Wins the Rehab Race

We have an update on a wildlife rehab patient we told you about in the Summer 2008 issue of our WREN Newsletter. This week, we marked an important milestone in the long recovery of a Common Snapping Turtle that suffered multiple shell fractures after it was hit by a car on May 4, 2008. After nearly a year on the mend, Dr. Frank Krupka, of Avon Lake Animal Clinic, was able to remove the pins that have supported the shell during the continuing healing process. You can compare the new photo of the shell to the shot below taken last year before the pins were put in.

This turtle’s story offers an important springtime wildlife lesson. The injury occurred at the beginning of May when turtles begin to seek places to lay their eggs. For water turtles, this process involves coming out of the water and finding a good nesting spot on land. Sometimes they move a great distance and are more prone to being hit by cars. If you a see a turtle crossing the road, drive carefully to avoid hitting it.
If you want to help, and can do so safely, you can move the turtle to the side of the road in the direction it was heading. If you take it to the side it just came from, it will start crossing the road again! A turtle is very persistent in getting to the exact spot it wants to go in order to lay its eggs.