New York Animal Rehab Releases Turtles in Time for Winter

You might not be thinking about turtles this time of year, but much like other members of Wildlife in the Hudson Valley, they, too, are preparing for winter. Some tiny snapping turtles have just made the deadline for snuggling in this winter, thanks to Friends of the Feathered and Furry Wildlife Center (FFFWC).

The FFFWC shared a video of them releasing baby snapping turtles back to a pond in hopes they will thrive. According to the post, they put on the video, the FFFWC doesn't normally move turtles, but in this case, it was necessary. They also mentioned that the turtles were the size of a quarter when they took them in 2 weeks ago.

New York Wildlife Rehabber Releases Baby Turtles in Time for Brumation

The life of a baby snapping turtle can be tough starting out. I didn't realize that they apparently are on their own from day one. Snapping turtles can be quite self-sufficient, but I had no idea it started when they hatched.

It was determined that these little guys could return to a pond, which is the goal for the FFFWC with every animal they bring in to rehab. The motto at FFFWC is Let Wild Be Wild.

Where Do New York Turtles Go in the Winter

Now that the weather has turned colder, you should be seeing fewer and fewer turtles in your travels. I just learned a term called brumation. This is how our Hudson Valley turtle population makes it through the winter. This is a semi-dormant state where turtles bury themselves in mud and leaves, and their heart rate slows to help them through the cold months.

Also, it is worth noting that Turtle hunting season in New York closed on Sept 30th. Yes, New York has a turtle hunting season from June 15th through September 30th, but only for Snapping turtles.

The only turtle species for which there is an open hunting season is the snapping turtle. You may not harvest, take, or possess any other turtle species at any time. (dec.ny.gov)