What To Do If You Find Turtles Have Invaded Your Driveway

If you've ever come home to a driveway filled with turtles it may feel like a surreal surprise, but it actually isn't always bad news. It turns out that turtles sometimes wander into human spaces when they're a little confused. Hatchlings (baby turtles), in particular, can become confused by surfaces that reflect light and in more coastal areas, artificial lighting has sadly been known to disorient baby sea turtles by luring them in the opposite direction of the water.

So, if you discover some turtles have appeared in your garden or driveway, you should know they are usually harmless and quiet visitors, and they can even help with pest control — spotting turtles in your yard is actually great for homeowners and bad for pests, since many species feed on insects, slugs, and other garden nuisances. The real risks are to the turtles themselves, as cars, pets, and lawn equipment can be dangerous for them and even cause them harm. However, it is worth mentioning that most reptiles, including turtles, carry salmonella bacteria which ends up in their droppings. That doesn't mean you should panic, but you shouldn't treat them like your new house pets, either. A much better idea is to relocate them back to their natural habitat if they seem disorientated or far from bodies of water. But before you do this, it might be wise to reach out to your local wildlife rehabilitation center or the wildlife agency in your state, for more advice. 

Wildlife experts do recommend you give turtles a hand if they are stuck or in the path of cars, but only in the same direction they were already headed, as relocating them too far can disrupt their homing instincts, and many turtles rely on the same ponds and wetlands year after year.  Online anecdotes describe gathering turtles into a shallow box or bin lined with a towel, and then carrying them to the edge of a nearby pond. Place the box near the water's edge and let the turtles make their own way into the water so you don't cause them extra stress by forcing them out. While this isn't an official wildlife guideline, it reflects the many principles of gentle handling, minimal stress, and releasing them to a body of water that is close to your home. And it's important to pick them up by the sides of the shell, never the tail.

Homeowners in areas with wild turtle populations can also prevent mishaps around their homes by creating an overall more turtle-safe environment — there are even ways to mow for a turtle-friendly lawn. These small steps reduce wildlife injuries while keeping your yard in check. And, if turtles or other wild visitors become a little too regular, then fencing and barriers may help. At the end of the day, it's important to choose humane ways to keep critters out your yard that allow you to protect your plants without harming any animals as a result. With all this in mind, a surprise turtle party on your driveway becomes less of a hassle and more of a charming and rare wildlife encounter.