Photo: Turtle Oblonga Rescue and Rehabilitation Network/Facebook
Camera IconPhoto: Turtle Oblonga Rescue and Rehabilitation Network/Facebook Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Turtle hatchling time prompts call for vigilance

Greig JohnstonWeekend Kwinana Courier

WITH long-necked turtles in the middle of hatchling season, people are being urged to lend a helping hand to the adorable little critters.

There’s been a boom in hatchling activity over the past couple of weeks, and with the season set to continue for another month or so, there will be plenty of little turtles plodding through the metro area.

The advice from Karen Cavanough, from the Turtle Oblonga Rescue and Rehabilitation Network (TORRN), is to be on the lookout for long-necked turtles big and small.

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“If you do encounter a turtle in danger, try and rescue it without endangering yourself, obviously,” Ms Cavanough said.

“Check it over thoroughly for any injuries – if it’s not injured, returning it to the closest waterway would be the best advice.

Photo: Turtle Oblonga Rescue and Rehabilitation Network/Facebook
Camera IconPhoto: Turtle Oblonga Rescue and Rehabilitation Network/Facebook Credit: Supplied/Supplied

“With hatchlings, they’re not going to be active unless they’re warm.

“Sometimes they might appear to be dead, but you can cup them in your hands to warm them up.

“They should warm up and become active fairly quickly.”

If you need any advice or happen to find a turtle that has been injured, people can phone TORRN on the numbers below.

East Metro 0424 727 411 | South Metro 0424 727 624 | North Metro 0414 476 867

You can visit TORRN at their website or on Facebook.