Urgent Care :: Turtle Emergency...Please Help

[Draggonliker]

Hello All...My name is Bill...My wife and daughter found a turtle today...We have pretty much identified it as a large RES...They found the turtle at the edge of the freezing Deschutes River...There was ice at the edge of the water and the turtle made no attempt to escape capture...The poor thing is very lathargic and won't even open its eyes....It is about 9" around and it's shell looks pretty rough...We suspect that someone turned it loose at the river for some reason...We want to do what we can to help it but none of us know ANYTHING about how to help it...could someone please get back to us as soon as possible and help us help our new found friend...? Thanks in advance...Bill and Rachel

[steve]

It's possible the turtle was in hibernation and was interrupted. However, you should probably try to contact the closest reptile/herp organization or even a herp veterinarian and ask about the RES in your area.

In some cases, a vet would take in wild animals for treatment and possible rehabilitation free of charge, though the animal won't be returned to you.

[marisa]

How is the turtle doing? I do not know where the Deschutes River is, or I'd try to make more specific suggestions...

[sonyj]

The Deshutes River is in Oregon, right? (if not google is wrong ) That would mean your theory that it is a released pet could be right since RES are not native to Oregon. How is he doing now? Getting help for him from a herp vet would be the best way to go. Taking a turtle out of hibernation can be rough on them. Good luck.

[marisa]

Do you think you'll be keeping your friend?