Seeing a turtle stuck on its back can be concerning, but with some gentle assistance, you can safely get them back on their feet. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about helping a turtle that has flipped over.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Carefully approach the turtle and upright it onto its stomach, supporting its underside as you flip it. Avoid touching wild turtles when possible, and never forcefully flip them as this can cause injury.
We’ll explore why turtles end up on their backs, how to carefully approach them, techniques for righting them, what to do after they’re flipped over, special considerations for wild turtles, and how to prevent flips in the future.
Reasons Turtles Become Trapped on Their Backs
Lack of Traction Causing Slips
One of the most common reasons for turtles becoming stranded on their backs is simply a lack of traction while moving around. With their smooth shells and short legs, turtles can easily lose their footing on slippery or uneven surfaces.
This might happen near bodies of water, on roads or paths, or even in their natural habitats if the ground is loose or muddy. Once flipped over, the turtle’s smooth underside and heavy shell prevent it from righting itself without assistance.
Traction problems often afflict smaller turtles, but larger species are also vulnerable. For example, snapping turtles weighing over 50 pounds have been found helpless on their backs after sliding on steep, muddy banks.
Regardless of the turtle’s size, all species share the inability to flip themselves over once stuck in this position.
Attacks from Predators
Predator attacks are another cause of turtles becoming trapped on their shells. Many predators like raccoons, foxes, and birds of prey go after small juvenile turtles. During an attack, the predator may bite or swipe at a small turtle, knocking it onto its back.
If the turtle manages to escape, it can be left stranded upside-down, unable to right itself.
Larger turtles face attacks from predators as well. Alligators and large carnivorous mammals will go after bigger turtles. Due to the turtle’s protective shell, these attacks usually result in the turtle being flung onto its back rather than suffering mortal injury.
But afterwards, the turtle is left helpless in this position.
Falling Off Elevated Surfaces
An unusual but not uncommon reason for turtles to end up on their backs is falling off raised surfaces in their environment. Turtles that climb onto rocks, logs, docks, or shoreline embankments can easily lose their balance and topple over backwards.
Juvenile turtles are especially prone to slipping off wobbly surfaces head-over-heels due to their small size and clumsy movements.
Likewise, turtles basking on floating mats or boards can also roll off into the water upside-down. Being suddenly upended catches the turtle off guard before it can right itself. Once in the water or on land, the turtle finds itself stranded on its carapace and unable to flip over without help.
Approaching an Overturned Turtle
Move slowly and calmly
When you come across an overturned turtle, it is important to move slowly and remain calm. Sudden movements and loud noises can further stress the already distressed reptile. Speak in soft, soothing tones and avoid making direct eye contact, as this can be perceived as threatening by some species.
Take slow, deliberate steps and give the turtle plenty of space.
Avoid causing additional stress
Turtles have extremely slow metabolisms, meaning they are very sensitive to physiological changes brought about by stress. An overturned turtle is especially vulnerable. According to the Humane Society, excess stress can be fatal in just a few hours.
Therefore, it is vital that you avoid causing additional stress when approaching the turtle.
Be patient and allow the turtle to calm down before attempting to intervene. Never grab at or restrain the turtle, as this can induce panic and struggle. Wait until it has fully withdrawn into its shell and slowed its breathing before gently intervening.
Assess for injuries beforehand
Before righting an overturned turtle, conduct a quick visual inspection for any signs of injury or illness. According to nature preservation organizations like the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, common issues to look out for include cracked shells, bleeding, discharge from eyes/nose, wheezing breaths, and dead/damaged tissue on the shell or skin.
Severe injuries may need veterinary attention before the turtle can be turned over. However, even minor cuts should be dressed immediately after righting to avoid infection. A turtle with no outward issues can likely be gently turned over while supporting the underside of its shell.
Techniques for Flipping a Turtle Over
Support the plastron while tilting
When you encounter a turtle stuck on its back, it is important to carefully flip it back over. The key is to support the plastron (bottom shell) while gently tilting the turtle at an angle. Slide one hand under the back end of the plastron to lift it slightly, then slide your other hand under the front.
This will distribute the turtle’s weight evenly across both hands. Slowly rotate your wrists to tilt the turtle at a 45 degree angle, taking care not to lift too steeply or quickly which could injure its organs.
Tilt steadily in one direction until the turtle begins shifting its weight, indicating it can flip itself over once placed back down.
Slide hands under the shell’s edge
An alternative approach is to slide your hands under the edge of the upper shell near the turtle’s head and tail. By gripping both sides while tilting up, you can leverage the turtle’s own weight to flip it. Move slowly to allow the turtle to adjust, keeping it balanced between both hands.
Tilt up to a 45 degree angle then gently rotate downwards in the opposite direction. The shell’s shape causes the turtle to roll as you lower it at an angle. Continue this fluid rolling motion until all four feet are planted on the ground again.
Take care not to accidentally drop the turtle from too great a height as it regains its footing.
Let the turtle gain its footing afterward
Once a turtle is back upright, give it several minutes to get its bearings and become reoriented to being right-side up. The turtle may need time for circulation to return to normal and to regain muscular strength after having been stuck on its shell.
According to the Humane Society, recently flipped turtles often appear dazed or wobbly. Let the turtle sit calmly in place until it is able to walk normally again. Do not immediately remove it from where you found it since further handling could add stress.
Only after 10-15 minutes of rest should you consider relocating a recovered turtle to a safer location if needed.
Special Considerations for Wild Turtles
Contact wildlife authorities if needed
If you come across an endangered or protected turtle species stuck on its back, it’s best to contact wildlife authorities like the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for guidance instead of intervening yourself. Handling such turtles without permission can unfortunately result in hefty fines.
Wildlife authorities have the proper training and resources to assist fragile turtle populations as needed.
Wear gloves to prevent mutual harm
Always wear thick gardening gloves or work gloves when handling wild turtles. This protects both you and the turtle from scratches, bites, Salmonella bacteria, and other hazards.
Some species like snapping turtles can inflict serious finger and hand injuries, so heavy-duty puncture-proof gloves are highly recommended. Never grab snapping turtles by the tail either as this can injure their spine.
Work quickly to prevent overheating
When helping flip a turtle, speed is crucial to prevent them from overheating. Young turtles and eggs are especially vulnerable. Most aquatic turtles out of water can start to overheat in just 15 minutes if temperatures are warm!
Basking species like red-eared sliders and painted turtles can withstand slightly longer, but they still need to return to water promptly. In cool weather under 70°F, turtles have more time before risking heat exhaustion.
Preventing Flips in Captive Turtles
Provide adequate water depth
One of the best ways to prevent captive turtles from flipping onto their backs is to ensure their enclosure has adequate water depth. As semi-aquatic species, turtles spend most of their time in the water.
Shallow water increases the risk of getting stuck upside down if they try to turn around or climb onto dry land areas. Herpetology experts recommend providing at least 2-3 times your turtle’s shell length for proper swimming room.
For aquatic species like red-eared sliders, the ASPCA recommends a minimum depth of 8-12 inches. This allows even large adult sliders to easily right themselves if flipped upside down. Other semiaquatic species like box turtles require at least a few inches of water to soak in.
Providing adequate space for your turtle to move around freely can prevent traumatic flips resulting from cramped quarters.
Use large rocks and logs to climb on
Turtles love to climb! Providing solid surfaces for your turtle to crawl onto can give them enrichment and prevent flips. Large rocks, logs, and platforms over part of the habitat allow Easy climbing access out of the water.
Just be sure any dry basking area also has sides high enough to prevent falls!
Natural rock formations and driftwood are safer than plastic decorations, which could potentially flip and trap your turtle beneath them. Experts also recommend sloped land areas rather than straight vertical sides on habitat walls.
This lessens injury risk if your turtle does happen to fall off a climbing branch. Gentle slopes let them slide safely back into the water instead of crashing onto hard surfaces from a height.
Keep enclosure surfaces tractionable
Slippery habitat surfaces often lead to tragic upside-down turtle scenarios. Whether aquatic or terrestrial species, turtles need good footing to walk without sliding. Bare glass walls and floors provide no grip for little turtle feet.
- For aquatic turtle tanks, adhere textured vinyl backgrounds on walls to ease climbing. Natural pebble substrates also add traction against smooth bare bottom surfaces.
- In outdoor ponds and indoor turtle tables for terrestrial species, top the habitat floor with cypress mulch, organic soil blends or coconut coir substrates to prevent slipping on bare surfaces.
Adequate traction minimizes falls and entrapments from flipovers, letting your shelled friend traverse their home safely. Provide good grip throughout by ensuring at least 30-40% of your turtle’s habitat has textured surfaces for climbing, walking and grasping easily as they move about freely.
Conclusion
While seeing any turtle stuck on its back can be worrying, with a calm and gentle approach, you can safely return it to its feet. Just be sure to assess the situation thoroughly first, handle the turtle carefully as you flip it over, and take preventative measures for captive turtles prone to flipping.
With the proper technique and care, you can ensure the turtle avoids injury and distress. If you have any other questions on assisting overturned turtles, consult a veterinarian or wildlife expert for specific guidance.
