By learning to live with nesting turtles, you can contribute to the long-term persistence of Vermont’s turtle populations.
Vermont is home to seven turtle species. The Spotted Turtle is state endangered, the Spiny Softshell is state threatened, and the Wood Turtle and Eastern Musk Turtle are species of special concern. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about turtle nesting, what to do if a turtle nests on your property, and how to protect turtle nests.
Should I report my turtle nesting observations?
Yes please! If you see a turtle (or any reptile or amphibian for that matter) and can snap a photograph, whether it is nesting or not, please consider submitting your observation to the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas.
These submissions help resource managers better understand reptile and amphibian distributions and better conserve and protect populations and species.
Why is there a turtle digging in my yard?
In late spring to early summer, many adult female turtles will move away from water to lay their eggs on land. These females typically seek nest sites that are sunny, well-drained, and have relatively loose soils. These nest sites are often inconvenient for people and risky for turtles, but they are carefully selected by females to give their developing embryos the best chance of survival. Whenever possible, it is best to leave nesting turtles alone and let them lay eggs at their chosen nest site.
Why is a turtle digging multiple holes in my yard?
Female turtles are careful to choose nest sites that provide the right conditions for developing embryos, and sometimes this takes a few tries. Females may abandon nest sites because the soil is too hard or too wet or the location is too shady. Females may also abandon nest sites because they were disturbed by someone or something, which is why it is best to leave nesting females alone. The sooner a female can find a suitable nesting site, the sooner she can lay her eggs, and the sooner she will leave.
What do I do if a turtle is nesting in my yard or driveway?
Whenever possible, it is best to leave nesting turtles alone and let them lay eggs at their chosen nest site. The nesting process may last several hours and could last longer if the female is disturbed. This is a vulnerable and dangerous time for females, so they will try to finish as quickly as possible. Females that are moved during egg laying will likely return to finish the nesting process.
Sometimes it is not possible to leave nesting turtles alone, such as when a female chooses to nest in an active driveway or parking lot. In these cases, it is best to carefully move the female to a safer and more appropriate location on the same side of the road. She should be moved as little distance as possible. Gravid, or pregnant, turtles are determined to lay eggs and will likely return if moved to water. Consider placing a board or other cover object over the original nest site to discourage her from renesting there.
Most turtles can be easily picked up and carried, but Snapping Turtles have long necks and a powerful bite. If the turtle is large or if it lacks colorful lines, spots, or other markings, then it may be a snapper. Instead of picking up a snapper with your hands, try gently pushing or lifting it with a shovel or pulling it, with its head facing away from you, on a piece of cardboard or a car floor mat.
The Spotted Turtle is state endangered and the Spiny Softshell is state threatened, so be sure to reach out to Vermont Fish & Wildlife for guidance before moving either species.
How long does it take a turtle to lay her eggs?
After a female turtle has chosen her nest site, she will use her hind legs to dig a hole in which she will deposit her eggs. The number of eggs deposited depends on the species of turtle and the size of the female. For example, a small Painted Turtle may lay just a few eggs while a large Snapping Turtle may lay more than 75 eggs. The duration of the nesting process varies across species and individuals but typically lasts no more than a few hours. Nesting is quickest when the female is left alone.
A turtle laid eggs on my property, now what?
Whenever possible, it is best to leave turtle nests alone. Females dig relatively small diameter nests, deposit their eggs belowground, and cover the eggs with soil or gravel. Consequently, the weight of a person or lawn mower, for example, is distributed across the nest and surrounding area and may not impact the eggs below. However, it is always best to stay away from turtle nests and limit aboveground activities as much as possible. If you are worried about predators destroying turtle nests on your property, you can take steps to protect them (see below).
Sometimes it is not possible to leave turtle nests alone, such as when a female lays eggs in a vegetable garden. If disturbing a nest is unavoidable, you may be able to move it (see below).
Should I move turtle nests?
Whenever possible, it is best to leave turtle nests alone. Female turtles are careful to choose nest sites that provide the right conditions for developing embryos, and these conditions are difficult to identify and replicate. Handling, jostling, or rotating reptile eggs may terminate embryo development or affect hatchling survival. If continuous or significant disturbance to a turtle nest is unavoidable, please reach out to Vermont Fish & Wildlife for guidance on how and where to move the nest.
The Spotted Turtle is state endangered and the Spiny Softshell is state threatened, so be sure to reach out to Vermont Fish & Wildlife for guidance before attempting to move nests of either species.
How long does it take for turtle eggs to hatch?
In Vermont most female turtles nest in late spring and early summer, and eggs typically hatch in late summer and early fall. Most hatchlings will emerge from their nest and head towards water shortly after hatching, but not all hatchlings in the same nest will be ready to leave at the same time. In fact, some Painted Turtle and Northern Map Turtle hatchlings may remain in their nest during fall and winter and emerge the following spring! This is one reason why turtle hatchlings should be left alone to leave their nest at their own pace
What do I do if I find hatchling turtles without their mother?
This is normal, and you should leave the turtle alone unless it is in imminent danger. Other than finding a nest site that provides the right conditions for developing embryos, female turtles do not provide parental care. Do not be concerned if you see a hatchling or young turtle by itself. If the turtle is in imminent danger, please move it to the nearest safe location, preferably near water.
How can I protect turtle nests?
Unfortunately, many turtle nests are excavated by predators, such as raccoons and skunks, looking for an easy meal. Predators can quickly find nests by sight, smell, and tactile cues. The most dangerous period for developing embryos are the days immediately following nesting, because the scents produced during nest digging (e.g., geosmin) and egg laying (e.g., urine, oviductal fluids) are strongest. With luck, nesting will be quickly followed by rainfall, which will dampen or dissipate scent cues.
You can take several steps to help protect turtle nests on your property. For example, you can use a garden hose to gently sprinkle water over the nest site to mimic rainfall and dampen or dissipate scent cues. You can also use a garden rake to disturb patches of soil away from the nest, which will produce scents (e.g., geosmin) that will hopefully draw predators’ attention away from the nest.
A great way to physically protect turtle nests is to build and install predator exclusion cages, also known as nest cages, or simply lay a piece of hardware cloth or chicken wire over the nest. Do not use plywood, metal roofing panels, or anything else that will block solar radiation and rainfall. The hardware cloth or chicken wire should extend well beyond the nest, so that predators cannot reach the nest, and it should be securely staked or weighed down with rocks, so that predators cannot skirt under it. Importantly, the hardware cloth or chicken wire needs to be removed before hatching, so that hatchling turtles can leave the nest. We recommend leaving the hardware cloth or chicken wire in place for three weeks.
You can find many online resources that provide guidance on how to build and install predator exclusion cages, or you can reach out to Vermont Fish & Wildlife for information.