Spotting a turtle in your Iowa yard can be exciting, but it also comes with some responsibility. Turtles play an important role in our local ecosystem, knowing how to respond when you find one can help keep both you and the turtle safe.
If the turtle is crossing your driveway or basking near your garden, following a few simple steps makes all the difference.
1. Observe From A Safe Distance First
Before rushing over, take a moment to watch the turtle from where you stand. Turtles can get stressed when people approach too quickly, and some species may retreat into their shells or even snap if they feel threatened.
Keeping your distance lets you figure out what kind of turtle it is and whether it needs help. You can also see if it looks injured or healthy…