Summer pushes NC State’s Turtle Rescue Team into high gear

One of the turtles rescued and in recovery at the Turtle Rescue Team's Lab.
One of the turtles rescued and in recovery at the Turtle Rescue Team’s Lab.

Editor’s Note: This post was been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness on June 13, 2022.

Some of the most impactful heroes for the half-shelled in the Triangle area are a small team of students at NC State’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where the Turtle Rescue Team is based.

The vet students that make up the Turtle Rescue Team provide medical and surgical services for injured and sick turtles that have been found in the Triangle area. Since the team launched in 1996, thousands of turtles have been rehabilitated and released back into their natural habitat. These frequently asked questions explore more about turtles, the rehabilitation process and what you can do to help.

Is there a busy time for Turtle Rescue Team?

Turtles hibernate during winter and emerge again into the wild during warmer months. Since summer is when turtles are most active, the number of turtles in the team’s care spikes as more turtles encounter busy roads and fishing ponds.

What should I do if I find an injured or sick turtle?

Call the Turtle Rescue Team at (919) 397-9675 and leave a message. A member of the team will call you back and let you know if the lab has room to accommodate the turtle(s). The team advises only handling the turtle when necessary so that the turtle isn’t unnecessarily stressed. Use gloves to place the injured or sick turtle in a ventilated box or plastic container lined with newspaper or cotton fabric such as an old t-shirt or towel. Add a shallow dish with clean water, as well as brightly-colored fruits or vegetables such as strawberries or red peppers.

Do you accept other reptiles?

Yes, if lab space is available, the team will treat snakes and amphibians. The team doesn’t accept pets or venomous snakes.

What are the typical ailments that impact turtles?

Common injuries and ailments include leg fractures, shell injuries, ear abscesses, upper respiratory infections and fish hook injuries. Learn more

What happens to the turtles after they are rehabilitated?

Upon completion of treatments and when the turtle appears to be at full strength, healthy turtles are ideally returned to the location where they were found.

Can I volunteer?

Yes, volunteering in the lab is available with training. There are also opportunities to foster a turtle that has completed all treatments but is still recovering. By fostering turtles, lab space is freed up for additional turtles and the stress level for the recovering turtle is reduced by being in a less busy environment. You can also volunteer to help release turtles back into the environment. Learn more about these opportunities by contacting the Turtle Rescue Team at turtle-rescue-team@ncsu.edu.

Can I donate to the Turtle Rescue Team?

Monetary donations make a big impact for the treatment of wildlife patients. Join the “Adopt” a Turtle Fundraiser or give online. Turtles also eat a lot and donations of produce are accepted. Contact the team for more information.

Do you name the turtles?

Upon admission, each turtle receives a number that is used to track its treatment plan. Vet students also name the turtles, choosing a different theme each semester. This summer, turtles are being named after songs. Current turtle residents include Jolene, Mr. Crowley and Brown Eyed Girl.