This spring, NH Fish & Game released a helpful article about how people can help turtles during their most vulnerable time of the year - spring nesting season:
Read Full Turtle Article
Here
The article offered the following tips that you can share with others in your community:
1) Slow down and watch for turtles in roadways!
2) Help turtles cross roads safely. If you see a turtle crossing a road, and it is safe for you to do so, help it cross in the direction it was traveling. Never create a dangerous situation for other motorists or yourself. Snapping turtles should be handled with care or allowed to cross on their own.
3) Don't take the turtle home or move it far from where you found it. A turtle taken to your home is a turtle lost from the local population. (Also, all New Hampshire native turtles are protected by state law during nesting season).
4) If a turtle is injured, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Wildlife/wildlife_rehabbers.htm or call Fish and Game's Wildlife Division at (603) 271-2461 for a list of wildlife rehabilitators in your area. For more on what to do if you find an injured turtle, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Wildlife/Nongame/injured_turtle.htm.
5) Report turtle sightings to N.H. Fish and Game's Reptile and Amphibian Reporting Program (http://www.wildnh.com/Wildlife/Nongame/reptiles_amphibians.htm).
6) Work with land trusts and town officials to help conserve important natural areas in your community.
7) Another tip: Mulch piles can be attractive places for turtles to nest when located near wetland areas. Spreading mulch into gardens soon after delivery will reduce turtles from nesting in a mulch pile that is likely to be disturbed later in the season. If mulch will be in place for several weeks or more, covering with plastic will help reduce attractiveness for nesting turtles.
