Monroe Township police will remember detaining this “suspect.”
On Sep. 28, officers were navigating near Academy Street and Church Street when they saw a large turtle patrolling the grass.
Realizing it was likely a lost pet, officers got out of their cars and retrieved the turtle.
Luckily, the suspect wasn’t too speedy so it wasn’t a hassle.
Help Find the Turtle’s Owner
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“This little guy was found wandering the area without identification, registration or any explanation as to where he was headed,” a Facebook post by the Monroe Township Police Department reads.
Currently, the turtle is in custody at the Gloucester County Animal Shelter. But the police are searching for the unidentified turtle’s owner, so he can go home.
Anyone with information can contact the Monroe Township Police Department at 856-728-0800 or the Gloucester County Animal Shelter at 856-881-2828.
Nesting Season
According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), turtles begin seeking places to lay their eggs as early as mid-May.
During nesting season, despite their slow speed, turtles will travel far distances to find the best nesting spot. Sometimes, as displayed, this can put turtles at risk of getting hit by cars depending on the area.
If drivers do not see the animal, they likely won’t have time to escape.
Wild Turtles
The police department stated that the turtle is likely a pet, but not all turtles wandering outside are domesticated.
Due to this the DEP warns not to take a turtle home.
Instead, if you see a turtle, call the appropriate wildlife authorities for help, as they can identify if the animal is wild or lost from home.
Additionally, if a turtle seems stuck and in need of help moving, face it in the direction it was already traveling, rather than toward a nearby pond or other water.
“Most turtles can be picked up by the side of their shells near the mid-point of the body. Do not pick up a turtle by its tail, as doing so may frighten or injure the reptile.” a report by the DEP explains.
The turtle may have been heading a certain direction on purpose.