Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just want to get this our for people as the Turtle nesting season is approaching in the Great lakes states at least. I have found American Wood Turtles, Painted Turtles and Snapper Turtles DOR and have cut the eggs out of them and about 1/4 of them may hatch, depending on how the animal was hit, how long she has been dead, etc. If the Turtle is hit on the anterior part of the body, and dead!!, feel between the carapace and plastron in front of a hind leg. If you feel round spheres inside, these are the eggs. It is not pleasent to cut the animal apart to be able to gently squeeze the eggs through the passage and out of the severed ovaduct, but I have done this and have had eggs hatch. I have saved and released wood turtles, painted and snappers by doing this.
By the strict letter of the law, it is forbidden, at least in Wisconsin, and for wood turtles forbidder everywhere they are found. But Morally, to let the "children" die, is something I cannot do. You do as you feel right.

Thank you for pointing this out. As you mentioned, it can be stomach turning work, but I feel that if your able to save at least one life, it's well worth it. I always stop and examine turtles that have been hit and I have saved quite a few eggs by doing so. Some may view this as being crazy or a waste of time, but the people that feel this way are usually the kind of people that only think that human life holds any value. Every egg that is saved is a huge victory and it's nice to know that there are people out there willing to take the time to show some compassion twards these wonderful creatures. ~Christy

Great work.

Personally I couldn't do it but I'm glad that there are people out there who can and will.