Spring has sprung and turtles have started crossing roads as they migrate to their nesting habitats. If you encounter any injured or distressed turtles, a new organization, New Hampshire Turtle Rescue, can assist in their rescue and rehabilitation.
Its clinic in Nottingham is the only facility in New Hampshire licensed to care for the four endanger turtle species in New Hampshire: Blanding's Turtle, Spotted Turtle, Wood Turtle, and Eastern Box Turtle.
These species are slow to mature but live a very long time, leading to their populations relying heavily upon a relatively small number of reproductive individuals. According to New Hampshire Turtle Rescue, major threats to these populations include: car strikes, dog attacks, lawnmowers, and swallowed fishhooks.
The mission at New Hampshire Turtle Rescue is to provide comprehensive care for injured turtles, with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into their homes once they are fully recovered.
If you encounter one of these species, please call or text NH Turtle Rescue immediately at (603) 417-4944.
The organization has an informative website including a Help and Advice section.