How to Find Turtles

It goes without saying that turtles are cute and fascinating. The problem is that it can sometimes be hard to find these elusive creatures. Since these animals tend to be every carnivorous creature's ideal prey, it makes them eager to hide and keep to themselves. Read on to learn how to find turtles.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Patience
• Field guide
• Binoculars

1. Buy a field guide. These are available for just about any type of turtle you're looking for and are comparatively inexpensive. The field guide is useful as, although most turtles are found accidentally, it will give you a starting point, especially if you are looking for a specific type of turtle, like a box turtle.
2. Look through binoculars. Looking through binoculars, or a very strong camera lens, can often make it easier to find turtles, especially aquatic turtles as they are shy creatures. Also, look for signs that turtles have been around, like water bubbles or mud clouds.
3. Choose the right season. Many turtles are easiest to spot in late spring, like late June or early July, as they come out to dig nests and lay their eggs. If you know a lake or pond where turtles live, it's easy to find them on warm days, as they often lay out in the sun.
4. Move slowly. Turtles will take flight if they think they are in danger, so move slowly so you don't scare them, and don't sneak up on them. Turtles can feel vibrations through the ground and through the water, so they know you're coming.
5. Look in a pet store. Not all pet stores carry turtles as it is illegal to have turtles as pets in some states, but many do carry turtles, and they can give you the right food and information you need to keep it healthy. If they don't have the species you're looking for, they can point you in the right direction.

Tips & Warnings

• Check your state's laws for finding turtles and keeping them. In many states, turtles are endangered, and it is illegal to take certain species out of the wild. It is also often illegal to put species that aren't native to the area into the wild.