Shell-shocked turtle hit by car in Sask. returns to the wild after being nursed back to health

Turtle shells aren't just for show — they act as a suit of armour. The Salthaven West Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Regina saw a good example of this recently when a turtle was brought in after it had been run over by a vehicle.

The shelter got a call on June 5 about an injured turtle near the village of McTaggert, which is about 100 kilometres southeast of Regina.

Salthaven West clinic manager Natalia Slipak said the turtle's shell was broken in several spots.

"Upon intake we realized the extent of the fractures were pretty severe. There was a piece of the carapace that was hanging," said Slipak.

Shelter workers brought the animal to a vet for x-rays. They were shocked to find it had many eggs that were still intact, thanks to the shell's protection.

"We were very happy to see that," said Slipak."That always makes us happy, being that the western painted turtles have a special concern status in Saskatchewan."

Slipak said the clinic was able to put metal clasps on her broken shell to hold it in place while it healed.

She said that once they saw she had eggs, they knew they had to get her back into the wild as soon as possible.

Salthaven said turtles sometime move long distances overland in search of mates, nesting sites or new habitats.

In this case the turtle is believed to have been on her way to make a nesting spot to lay her eggs when she was run over.

Slipak said it's always a concern when they receive turtles as patients during this time of the year, so they make sure to check for eggs with x-rays.

The future mother stayed at the clinic to recover until the clasps were removed. She was released back into the wild on Aug. 14.

WATCH | Sask. animal shelter nurtures turtle back to health after run-in with vehicle:

Sask. animal shelter nurtures turtle back to health after run-in with vehicle

3 months ago

Duration 1:17

The Safehaven West Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Regina sprung into action after being told about a mother turtle whose shell was cracked when she was run over.

Salthaven shared some tips for if you come across a turtle.

If you notice a turtle on the road, stop and wait for it to cross. If you must move the turtle, make sure it is safe to do so.

Lift it by the back of the shell — never by the tail.

Move it in the direction it was already going. Even when conditions are clear, continue to remain cautious when driving.

The Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is a non-profit in Regina that cares for sick, injured, displaced, and orphaned wild birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

It is celebrating its 10th anniversary and is currently fundraising for a bigger space.