From “Trails & Tales of Wharton,”a new monthly publication of nature and history-related articles written by Wharton State Forest’s nature and history interpretive staff.

If you’ve explored any of our parks, forests, or historic sites, you may have encountered turtles basking on rocks and logs, crawling through fields, or trying to cross our roads! We want to remind our visitors that the best way to help an uninjured turtle cross the road is to place it on the side of the road to which it was heading. When you pick up a turtle, make sure you grab the rear end of its shell with both hands. If you can’t figure out which side of the road the turtle was walking towards, move it to the side with the most suitable habitat. 

DO NOT move a turtle away from where you found it. Turtles often live their lives in a small area. When you move them to a new location, they will try to make their way back to their home and will likely need to cross more roads and be harmed in the process. Please note that baby turtles are not raised by their parents and should also not be moved from their habitat.  

If you find an injured turtle, please call your nearest New Jersey Wildlife Rehabilitator. You can check this list for New Jersey Wildlife Rehabilitators. If you think you have encountered a rare or endangered turtle species, you can report the wildlife siting to NJ Fish and Wildlife here.  

Visit the NJ Fish and Wildlife website to find out more about our wildlife and other ways you can help! 

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