Turtles are often more active this time of year, with the weather conditions seeing them explore lakes and wetlands looking for sites to lay their eggs, but what should you do if you come across one?
Greater Shepparton City Council’s RiverConnect program will be in full force, with staff working to protect turtle nests for the best chance of survival for young turtles.
RiverConnect project officer Alison Brett said the team used a mesh cover system to protect local turtle nests that would otherwise be at high risk of predation.
“There are three species of freshwater turtle that can be found in Greater Shepparton, the eastern long-necked, broad-shelled and Murray River. Nesting for these turtles typically occurs around November and December, during or after a rain event,” she said.
“Turtles can travel long distances to lay their eggs and are most active early in the mornings.
“Unfortunately, foxes are known to prey on around 95 per cent of freshwater turtle nests, which has a devastating impact on local turtle populations.”
Turtle nests are often very hard for humans to find; however, foxes have a powerful sense of smell to locate and easily dig up the eggs.
Protecting a nest immediately after the turtle has left greatly improves the babies’ chances of survival.
Tatura Turtles volunteer Yvette Williams said while it was rare for humans to spot nesting turtles, it was important that community members who came across a nesting event reported it.
If you find a nesting turtle, if you can, guard her until she is finished laying and record the exact turtle nest location, take a photo and contact RiverConnect.
If you find turtle eggs, leave them and report the location to Wildlife Victoria on 8400 7300.
If you find a turtle on a road or in danger, safely carry the turtle (from the top holding the front and back of the shell) in the direction it was heading to prevent it trying to re-cross the road when you have left.
If there is a water body within a few metres of the turtle, please move it to the water; however, if water is far away just move it out of harm’s way.
If the turtle appears to be dead, ill, or injured, or if you have any concerns at all, call Wildlife Victoria for rescue or advice.
It is illegal to remove native animals from the wild.