Can hibernating box turtles be safely relocated?
We have a number of box turtles that live in our yard, and I’ve witnessed them coming out of hibernation in one specific location before. The city is starting a construction project next Monday that will be tearing up this part of the yard. If I don’t intervene somehow I expect at least some will be killed.
Tell them bog turtle are in your yard. That will stop it.
Nevermind. I see you are in MS. That ain't gonna work.
In reply to spitfirebill :
Someone mentioned gopher tortoises, as they’re protected down here.
Is there a large tree in the vicinity of the turtle habitat? You should notify the media, then chain yourself securely to the tree. Paint a big sign that says "SAVE THE TURTLES!" That will at least delay the construction.
In reply to 1988RedT2 :
Several, actually - and I’ve definitely considered it.
I'd reach out to your state's Environmental Conservation Dept. (or whatever you call it) and see what they have to say. If it's wetlands those usually have some additional protections.
In reply to 02Pilot :
No wetlands, just our back yard. I never realized it before encountering & learning about our crew, but box turtles don’t actually need much water.
No, they don't, but they usually live relatively close to some sort of water supply. You're sure they're box turtles and not gopher tortoises, right? Because the latter look similar to the former, and are federally protected.
Reptiles go through a process called brumation. They basically slow way down. They don't go to sleep like when a mammal hibernates. So they'll be awake. But I'm not sure how to go about relocating them. It's a very dangerous time for them even without the added stress of being relocated.
I'd definitely call the state or even try a local collage to get their help.
Not a reptile biologist, but a biologist... sorta. Just a passion of mine.
Since you are in MS, I would say definitely yes. Up here in the north, they burrow down about 10" and stay there for 3-5 months depending on the weather. Relocating them up here in PA means they may not have suitable time to construct a new den that is deep enough before an evening cold snap turns them "off." In MS, they would be in and out of shallow burrows, under leaves, and under fallen logs, so if you choose carefully during a warm spell they will be just fine.
The way they dig their burrows (if they choose soil) is to dig a wee bit, then back into it. They use the hinged back of their carapace to push the hole bigger, then back into the void they just made. Kind of like a post hole digger in reverse. As long as they have ample access to dense leaves, loose soil, and maybe some downed trees, they'll be fine. Rocky soil or soil with grass/turf on it is no good. They can't break through thatch or firm/rocky soil. An old brush pile would be fantastic. The soil under it would be full of bugs, worms, and rodents who would keep the soil loose.
If you have the choice, the eastern or northern side of a clearing near a wooded area would be perfect. It is where they normally choose to maximize sun exposure on the ground.
Major kudos and gratitude for choosing to help them.
02Pilot said:No, they don't, but they usually live relatively close to some sort of water supply. You're sure they're box turtles and not gopher tortoises, right? Because the latter look similar to the former, and are federally protected.
These are definitely Eastern box turtles(not Gulf Coast box turtles, which surprised me) as they have a hinged plastron, which gopher tortoises do not.
In reply to Curtis :
The one place I know they’ve used before was referred to by the sellers as a “compost pile”, but really it’s just a 20’x20’ area in the back corner of the yard with ~2’ of dead leaves and some cane growing up through it.
The other spot where I believe the hatchlings likely are doesn’t have as deep of leaves, but has denser cane growth. It’s also right next to the ditch.
I spoke to a biologist from the MS Dept. of Wildlife today & we’ve been emailing back & forth most of the day.
The plan is to dig out a hole on the far(safe) side of the leaf/compost pile, and any turtles on the endangered side, or nearer to the ditch, I may find can be relocated to the new hole & covered back up.
I like that plan. Good for you.
I spent a few hours today combing both banks of the ditch & our property adjacent to it, but didn’t find anybody - which is ok with me. Knowing now that they generally are only covered by a couple inches of leaves & debris vs. actually burrowing into the ground, there are other areas of our yard that would probably be more preferable to them. The leaf/compost pile is actually pretty solid since I’ve not added to it in a couple years.
Being a Fan Of Flo And Eddie, The Turtles, I Am' Happy ' You Want to help.
Box turtles aren't fans of Water really and when we get a lot of of Rain You See them Heading for Higher Ground, I Found one last year that was Oddly a More Yellowish color than black with Specks and even Had a DNR number on it. Moved it from the road and let it keep on Keepin' On.
As someone who has rescued many turtles from many roads (and a few other places), I applaud your efforts. I haven't seen a box turtle around here in years, but there are plenty of painted turtles and snapping turtles still getting themselves into dangerous situations. Hopefully the little guys are snugly tucked away someplace safe.
Good for helping.
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