Keep your own safety in mind before attempting to move a turtle

Move the turtle in the direction it was headed

Gloves are recommended for handling turtles

 

SMALL TURTLE

 

Pick up the turtle from both sides supporting the underneath shell (plastron) with your fingers and stabilizing the top of the shell with your thumbs

After crossing the road, place the turtle on the ground facing the direction it was headed

 

Helpful video: Turtle Safety 

 

SNAPPING TURTLE

 

Method 1

Grip your hands at the back of the shell on each side

Lift the turtle and carry across the road, keeping it low to the ground

Place the turtle on the ground, facing the direction it was headed

 

Method 2

Grip your hands at the back of the shell on each side

Lift the back end of the turtle and slide it backwards onto a car floor-mat or large square-mouth shovel

Drag the mat or shovel across the road

Turn the turtle around to face the same direction that it was headed

 

Method 3

Grip your hands at the back of the shell on each side

Lift up the back end of the turtle and gently drag it backwards across the road remembering to spin it around to face the same direction that it was headed

 

Helpful Video: How to help a snapping turtle cross the road

 

Additionally

 

DO NOT pick up a snapping turtle anywhere in the front two-thirds of its upper shell: it will

likely bite you in self-defence

 

DO NOT pick up or drag the turtle by its tail: you can cause serious permanent spinal damage