Be on the look out for turtles

By Sandy Collins The rainy weather is upon us across much of NSW and with that extra moisture it means turtles are on the move.

Turtles often leave the safety of their current watering holes and wander on land, looking for new water sources and at this time of year a nesting sites in the softer ground.

Whilst on the move they inadvertently cross roads and this is when they are most likely to encounter vehicles and become victims. The most common problem encountered with rescued injured wild turtles is a shell injury.

Shell injuries can be complicated and mean the turtle can be in care for 1-2 years but luckily for local Eurobodalla turtles, the Mid-South coast WIRES branch has some awesome vets willing to help out.

Recently the branch experienced a spate of turtle road victim rescues due to the wet weather. One particular turtle came from surfside and upon x-Ray to see the extent of her shell injury it was discovered she had 11 eggs inside her. Luckily the shell wasn’t too badly damaged and the staff at Casey’s beach vet were able to repair it.

Now this lucky girl will be in care with reptile coordinator Kay for 6-12 months depending on the rate of healing. Whilst in care the turtle will lay her eggs and these will be artificially incubated for 2-3 months by WIRES members who have an amazing success rate.

November was Turtle Month and WIRES announced it will be supporting more projects to address the vital conservation of endangered turtle species including partnering with Western Sydney University (and a grant of $175,000 )for a new project to Future Proof Freshwater Turtle Populations, as part of the 1 Million Turtles Community Conservation Program. Please see link here - https://www.wires.org.au/media-releases/turtle-conservation

If you see a turtle crossing the road please stop and escort it across the road to the side it was heading. If you see a turtle injured on the side of the road please stop and contain the animal. Then call WIRES rescue line on 1300094737