Wild box turtle question?

Question

I found an easter box turtle on a path in the woods. He was walking towards an apartment complex. I picked him up and took a look at him. He was blind and had no slits on his eyelids. His eyes looked like a blind person with closed lids. That really doesn't explain it. But I knew he was blind and not infected. He was an older box turtle. I turned him around and put him back in the wooded area. I thought about taking him to the vets...but decided he had lived that way a long time and seemed successful at it thus far. Should I have taken him the see the vet or to a sanctuary??Several hours later I went back to look and see if he was in the same spot and he was gone.

In the past I had also found a three legged box turtle and helped it cross the road. I believed it had been missing the leg for some time. It was healed and he was moving along pretty well when I let him go. I generally think turtles and tortoises should be left to their own devices. What do u think?

Answer 1

I think so, too. The only reason why I have turtles as pets is because I bought them froma reeder when they were quarter sized ( oh sooooo many years ago). I don't think it's right to take an animal out of it's habitat, unless it's covered in oily stuff. I'm all about animal conservation. And keep up the good work on helping those turtles. You're right, they have lived this long doing what they're doing. Keep on letting them!

Answer 2

I just helped one out today, and I feel it was my responsibility.

We need to actively help all animals.
I have only noticed turtles crossing the street at a greater rate since there has been added construction in the city that I live in.

We as humans are destroying animals' habitats. When you cut down a forest, where does the deer go, but out to look for a new place to live? This may mean crossing several streets, maybe a highway... just to have a new home. With wild land becoming more rare as the years go by, there is going to be alot of turtles and other animals crossing our path.

If it's not a danger to you, try to help.
In the case you described... there are sanctuarys, zoos, etc.. who will take in disabled animals. Since the turtle seemed to be getting along, I think it was great that you helped him out of the complex and into the wooded area. At least you did your best.

Answer 3

HI Good day!

What you did was right... If it had been a pet that was let go , then taking it to a sanctuary wold hve been best..

You could have taken it to a sanctuary if you knew of one near by, and that would have been fine as well...

Wildlife is best left alone unless it is injured or sick... Needing care

Also the person who commented that Good because turtles carry a lot of diseases...

This is not true. Turtles like other wildlife can get any number of infections or illnesses.. but as a rule samonella is the worst thing most carry and you can easily prevent infection from good hand washing after handling the turtle.

If you see this little bugger again , unless you know of a sanctuary best to leave him be....
If you know of a place then you could take him there,,just dont try to make a pet of him.

Also are you certain he was not a pet turned loose?

Well thats it for me... Keep up your love and compassion for wildlife!

We need more folks like you!

Take care

Wismom

Answer 4

i agree with u
the animal is wild, and probably has learned to deal with blindness by instinct, u shuld only hav taken him to the vet if he was bleeding or not breathing well, etc.
what u did was right
: )

Answer 5

Sounds like a good idea to me since they carry a lot of very bad diseases.

Answer 6

RELEASE IT!! Leave it out in the wild. Help her across teh road, and then that is it

Answer 7

ha ha

Answer 8

Smart, smart, smart!