Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, new here. There's a wild Eastern Box Turtle that hangs out in an oil-contaminated puddle near our rural home. When I first encountered her (I think...flat plastron), she was about 200 feet from the puddle, coming out of the woods. She ducked into her shell at my approach, so I never saw her eyes. For the past week, she's been hanging out in the puddle. She doesn't tuck into her shell anymore, even when I stick a camera in her face, and I've never seen her open her eyes. I don't know turtles well, but here eyelids look a little white and puffy to me. Given the nastiness of the puddle, I'm guessing her eyes are infected. Can someone who knows more about turtles than I do take a look at the photo and tell me what you think. If they look infected to you all, I'll fight natural selection and see what I can do for her (either myself or get her to a wildlife rehab). Thanks!

Yes it does look like an eye infection, if you can remove her from the oily muddy hole. Soak her in some clean water, don't be afraid to wipe her eye out with a soft warm water wash rag. Keep her in a clean area till you can contact a Herpe vet

Good luck, Alan

Wow that's kind of bizarre, I mean I've never heard of a box turtle hanging out in an oil-contaminated puddle. Her eyes do seem to be a bit infected but I don't know what you can do about it. I rescue injured/sick box turtles or if they are just in a dangerous area such as crossing the highway. As soon as they are in proper health I relocate them to a safe area. The only eye problem I've ever encountered was a turtle with an ant stuck in his eye so I just pulled it out and he was fine. I would take her out of that puddle and contact a reptile vet or someone else who may know what to do, perhaps a tortoise breeder? I know this is no tortoise but a reputable tortoise breeder may know still know something that applies to all or at least most terrestrial chelonians. Good luck and I hope the turtle ends up Okay!