Indiana Department of Natural Resources
CONSERVATION:
A careful preservation and protection of something, especially, planned management of a natural resource to prevent
exploitation, destruction, or neglect; The art of preserving, guarding, and protecting.
About 200 million years ago, when turtles first appeared, they were safe. As time passed, this was not the case.
Turtles became important for not only food, but for medicinal purposes. Their shells were, and still are, used as
decorative pieces and even as musical instruments. Some species have become endangered or threatened due to
habitat alterations. Housing projects, agricultural changes, and flood control dams result in destruction of
natural areas for turtles. The growth of roads and interstates, not only destroy habitats but create
another obstacle: traffic. Considering the time it takes for a hatchling turtle to mature, the concern for decreasing
numbers of adult turtles and tortoises grows. Turtles and tortoises are susceptible to disease when stressed,
due to change of environment, including temperature, humidity, availability for food, and seasonal changes.
When health is challenged that in turn effects turtle colonies and reproduction. Some Importers and exporters
rely on wild-caught turtles for supplying pet stores with adult turtles and their off springs. It would be very rare
to find a turtle in a pet shop that was not captured from its natural environment and ending up in a tank,
waiting to be sold to its new owner.
The Division of Fish and Wildlife manages the state's fish and wildlife thorough professional research,
regulation of hunting, fishing and trapping, and restoration of rare species. The fish and wildlife division also
stocks fish in public waters, offers hunting, fishing and wildlife watching on division properties, provides access to
public lakes and rivers, and offers advice and incentives to landowners for development of wildlife habitat.
Hunting, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, trapping, camping, and even photography are some of the adventures
to be found at F&W properties scattered throughout the State. Staff relies heavily on citizen
input to design and apply professional wildlife practices to both public and private lands to improve habitat,
promote wildlife management, and increase recreational opportunities.
Whether on a nature hike in the woods, driving along a road, or fishing from a bank of a large pond or stream, turtles are found
and brought home to be the exciting new pet. I wonder how many end up being a healthy long-term pet,
and not ending up being too much to care for, or worse, dying because of lack of knowledge of care that it needs.
Many turtle owners think the best thing to do when they no longer want their turtle or tortoise is to release
it in the outdoors. They believe that being in nature would be the best thing for them. This is not the correct thing to do.
Existing turtle populations can be exposed to any pathogens or disease that the newly released turtle may have and
visa versa. Often times, released pet turtles are not native to the area and may not survive the change of seasonal weather.
Their dietary needs may not be met due to specific types of food the turtle needs to survive.
Indiana DNR Box Turtle FAQs
- May I collect a box turtle from the wild?
No. Regulations that became law in 2004 do not allow the collection of box turtles from the wild in Indiana. If you wish to collect one in another state, you must follow all rules and regulations of that state. - Can I possess a box turtle as a pet? Only if you acquired it legally. Indiana requires box turtle owners to have a permit issued by the DNR. This includes all sub species of box turtles, not just our native species, which are the Eastern and the Ornate.
- What should I do if I already have a box turtle?
If you have a box turtle and no longer want it, please contact the Division of Fish & Wildlife or e-mail Linnea Petercheff. Do not release the turtle into the wild. Its chances of survival are small, and it could transmit diseases to a wild box turtles. - Can I possess a box turtle egg, shell, or other parts of a turtle?
The eggs of all native reptiles, including box turtles, are protected by law and cannot be taken from the wild in Indiana. The shell or any other part of a box turtle is included in the protection of box turtles in Indiana. - What should I do if I find an injured or sick box turtle?
Sick or slightly injured box turtles should be left in the wild. Box turtles are surprisingly resilient to damage and disease. If left alone, they will, more than likely, heal on their own. If a box turtle appears severely injured, it can be given to a licensed rehabilitator or licensed veterinarian. You cannot possess an injured turtle for more than 24 hours to transport it to a licensed rehabilitator.
You can obtain the name(s) of licensed rehabilitators in your area by contacting one of the following:
Call a wild animal rehabilitator permitted by the DNR. A list is at wildlife.IN.gov/5492.htm.
Call DNR law enforcement at (812) 837-9536.
Call the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife in Indianapolis at (317) 232-4080.
Call a licensed veterinarian. - What do I do if I find a nesting turtle, nest or eggs?
Leave them alone. Box turtles can easily be scared away from nesting sites. A mesh fence may be placed around a nest to protect eggs from predators. This enclosure should be checked daily to ensure that newly emerging turtles are not caught. Do not try to excavate a turtle nest on your own. Disturbing the position of turtle eggs may kill the turtle embryo. If you see a nest that is about to be destroyed because of new development, you may contact a local rehabilitator for assistance. A licensed rehabilitator can raise the young and release them back into the wild. Do not try to rescue the eggs or nest yourself. Unfortunately, it may not be possible to save every nest. - How can I help box turtles in the wild?
Leave leaf litter and fallen woody debris on the forest floor.
Protect and/or promote the protection of turtle habitat.
Obey speed limits to allow appropriate stopping time if a turtle is on the road.
If you see a box turtle trying to cross a busy road, you can pick it up and move it to the other side of the road in the direction it was facing. The turtle cannot be kept or moved to any other location.
Do not burn large areas during peak activity times for turtles.
Check yards before mowing or burning brush piles.
Report any collection or sale of box turtles to the Division of Fish & Wildlife at (317) 232-4080 or to the Division of Law Enforcement at (812) 837-9536. This can be done anonymously.
There are many ways to help in the conservation of turtles that are listed below.
Do not pick up a turtle from the wild. If there is one in the road, remove it and place it on the dose in the
direction it was facing.
Do not have a turtle as a pet until you have researched the care of that particular species requires.
Contact your Department of Natural Resources for rules and regulations regarding your states' native species
of turtles and tortoises.
If you find an injured turtles, contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife or your local veterinarian.
When purchasing a turtle or tortoise for a pet, buy one that is captive bred.
Become involved with wildlife preservation areas. This creates awareness of environmental changes and effects,
such as pesticides and construction projects.
Below are links to some helpful web sites to learn more:
Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Div. of F & W.
Indiana DNR's Box Turtle Wildlife Series
Conservation of Sea Turtles
International Reptile Conservation Foundation
Turtle Survival Alliance
