Category: How to Help

Eastern Box Turtles, Frequent WMC Patients

Eastern Box Turtle resting under heat lamp with legs stretched out behind it.

The eastern box turtle is by far one of the most commonly received turtles that the Wildlife Medical Clinic (WMC) treats in its facility. Whether it be from an injury, illness, or anything in between, this turtle is one that the public finds often in our area and brings to the clinic when they are in need of help. While the eastern box turtle is named as a “turtle” they actually seemed to have missed the memo and instead spend a great deal of their time on land similar to a tortoise! They will enjoy a nice soak however, especially in the hotter summer season by burying themselves in some nice mud or by just going straight into shallow water.

Identifying Features of Eastern Box Turtles

Eastern box turtle with an aural abscess on left side of face.

The easiest way to know if you’re looking at an eastern box is by taking a look at the shell. They are known for their yellowish-orange speckled, high-domed carapace. The carapace is the fancy way of specifying the top part shell; the bottom part is called the plastron. Conveniently, their scaly, thick skin is actually a similar pattern too; it has an overall dark brown/black “background” with vibrant shades of yellow, orange, or red speckles. These turtles are relatively small, only reaching a size of about four to seven inches. Like many other turtles (and tortoises), eastern box turtles do not have teeth nor a bony jaw, alternatively, they have a jaw made up of a keratinized beak similar to that of a bird!

Common Causes for Intake

Eastern Box Turtle tucked in its shell. Can see wire on shell, repairing cracks.

There are many reasons someone might bring the eastern box turtle to our clinic. One reason could be that they accidentally hit one with their vehicle. Unfortunately, this is a very common occurrence as we continue to develop more land for agriculture and urbanization. So if you are driving through a road surrounded by more forested land, be aware of the road and drive the speed limit; if you are able to safely slow down, and/or go around the turtle this would be ideal for all parties involved. Oftentimes, female turtles are hit while searching for sites to lay their eggs. However, all sexes and ages are susceptible to vehicle collisions while migrating between food and water sources. Additionally, obstacles such as train track, curbs, and extensive debris pose challenges for the eastern box turtle trying to cross roads.

Another reason we may see them at the WMC is for trauma caused by domestic animals! So keeping a watchful eye and especially keeping your pets leashed is very important, not just for these turtles but other wildlife as well! Eastern box turtles may also be poisonous if other animals consume them since they are known for eating and snacking on poisonous mushrooms which then gets stored in their tissue as toxins. While their bodies can handle these toxins, the bodies of other animals may not fare as well.

How to Safely Move a Box Turtle

In the instance that you do come across an eastern box turtle that must absolutely be moved and/or brought in to be seen at the WMC, there are a few steps that you should keep in mind so as to avoid mishandling the turtle. If you just need to move them, move them in the direction they were travelling and move them just enough to get them out of harms way. They should not be moved from the area where they are found unless they are injured or ill. If you need to transport them to a licensed rehabilitator, please note the exact location the animal was found as that will be needed when it is time to release the animal back into the wild.

For handling, you can slowly and safely lift them using both hands, reaching between their front and back legs by placing your thumbs on the top shell (the carapace) and your fingers under the shell (on the plastron), almost like holding a hamburger. Avoid reaching in front of them or near the rear of them as to avoid having your fingers pinched when they close their shell. You should also avoid the front to reduce your chances of being bitten. Keep them relatively low to the ground as you are moving them in case they squirm and need to be set down or on the off chance that your grip is not tight enough and they fall, that way they are not falling very far. Alternatively, should you wish not to handle them with your hands, you can use a flat object (like a shovel or lid) to gently slide under them and transport them that way, still very low to the ground.

Next, place them in a well ventilated box or container that is large enough for them to comfortably turn around in, then make your way over to the WMC or another licensed rehabilitator as soon as possible. It is very important not to hold on to wildlife longer than absolutely necessary as this can cause stress and delay necessary treatment, hindering their chances of survival and release back into the wild.

Written By: Rachel L., Class of 2027

Does that Baby Animal Need Help

Chart helping to determine whether wildlife needs brought into a rehabilitator or not.

Check out this recent article in Outdoor Illinois Journal, written by our program coordinator, Sydney Oliveira. It provides basic information on what to look for to determine whether an animal needs help or not. It also provides resources for finding a licensed Illinois wildlife rehabilitator near you and provides some additional information on supporting wildlife.

Cats: The Purrfect Storm for Endangering Wildlife

cat laying on a deck

Invasive species are estimated to cost North America $26 billion dollars per year since 2010. From plants like common teasel and buckthorn to animals like the Burmese python and lionfish, the damage that has been caused to our native ecosystems is extreme. While steps have been taken to mitigate these damages and prevent further spread of those species, there is still much work to be done. One of the steps we can take to preserve our wildlife is to recognize the impact we have as individuals.

Dangers Outdoor Cats Face

Approximately 49 million American households own cats, and a survey performed in 2021 found that 21% of Canadian and American cat owners allow them to have unsupervised outdoor access. While the outdoors provides tons of enrichment for our feline friends, there are several downsides to be aware of. Some of these downsides include injuries cats may obtain while outside, including getting infested with fleas, or something as extreme as getting hit by a car or attacked by a coyote. This can be devastating to the owner of the pet and result in hundreds if not thousands of dollars in veterinary bills, not to mention the emotional toll it takes watching a member of your household be in pain.

Dangers Outdoor Cats Pose

With that in mind, it is also important to understand the negative impacts cats themselves have on the environment. In addition to disease transmission and property damage, in the U.S., cats are estimated to kill 1.3-4 billion birds and 6.3-22.3 billion mammals each year, acting as an invasive species themselves. They are also considered a contributing factor in the extinction of 63 species globally. Here, at the Wildlife Medical Clinic, we see many patients come into us with injuries sustained from a feral or friendly cat. While this is heavy news to read, not all hope is lost as there are several actions we can take reduce these damages.

Things you can do include:

  • Monitor your cat during their outdoor play time, or install a catio.
  • Having conversations with your family, friends, and neighbors about any outdoor cats they have.
  • Spaying and neutering your cat to prevent the population of ferals and strays from growing.
  • Volunteering at an animal shelter with a Trap Neuter Return program—this also helps to lessen the feral population of cats.
  • Use flea, tick, and heartworm prevention on any cat that has outdoor access.
  • Keep your cat up to date on its yearly vaccinations.

One of the many things we love about cats is their playful nature. However, that playfulness is driven by their predator instincts and is what makes them such excellent hunters in the wild. With this knowledge, we can work towards a future where cats are safe from dangers the outdoors pose and wildlife is safe from the harm of our feline friends.

Sources

https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/subject/economic-and-social-impacts

https://americanpetproducts.org/industry-trends-and-stats

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2021.742245/full

https://abcbirds.org/program/cats-indoors/cats-and-birds

https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms2380#

https://abcbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Doherty-et-al.-2016-Invasive-predators-and-global-biodiversity-loss.pdf

Written By: Sarah L., Class of 2028

A Lethal Meal

Barn Owl holding a dead mouse in its beak.

Secondary Rodenticide Poisoning in Raptors

Shows a plastic container of second generation rodenticide.

It is a quick fix many homeowners use when facing a rodent problem: setting out a few bait stations filled with tasty poison. What most don’t realize is that these poisons do not work instantly. The target mouse or rat may live for days after consuming the bait, becoming slow, disoriented, and a temptingly easy target for a hungry hawk or owl. The result is a tragic effect known as secondary poisoning, where our natural, feathered pest controllers become the unwitting victims.

How do Anticoagulant Rodenticides Work?

Anticoagulant rodenticides operate by inhibiting an enzyme that regenerates vitamin K. Vitamin K is necessary for the production and activation of several clotting factors. Therefore, when vitamin K is inhibited, we see issues with blood clotting. In high enough doses, the poisoned animal ultimately suffers an unpleasant death from severe internal bleeding. However, this process is not immediate; rodents can survive for days after ingesting a lethal dose. During this prolonged decline, intoxicated rodents often behave erratically, staggering, in a lethargic state, and spending more time in open areas rather than seeking cover. This behavior makes them easy prey for hunting raptors.

There are first- and second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides. The older first-generation rodenticides have a lower potency and require multiple feedings. The danger is significantly magnified by second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs), which are highly potent and metabolize very slowly. Because SGARs can persist in a rodent’s liver and other tissues for over six months, predators that eat multiple poisoned rodents can more easily accumulate fatal doses in their own bodies.

Signs We See in Our Raptor Patients

These predatory birds with anticoagulant toxicity often present with pale mucous membranes and anemia. They are typically weak or lethargic, sometimes exhibiting difficulty breathing and visible discomfort. A major clue that we could be dealing with an anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning is subcutaneous ecchymoses, which is bruising or pooling of blood just beneath the skin. Because their blood cannot clot, these birds may also bleed profusely from even the most minor, superficial wounds.

How We Treat It

Brown bottle of Vitamin K1

The foundation of treatment for any bird we suspect to have anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning is replacing the depleted vitamin K by administering Vitamin K1. This is initially given via injection until the bird is stabilized and then can be given orally daily for at least three weeks. A blood transfusion is also warranted for birds that are severely anemic, which will help replace both the red blood cells and clotting factors that have been lost. Other treatments include rest, oxygen support if there is difficulty breathing, and nutritional support to give these patients the best possible chance of eventually returning to the wild.

Better Pest Control Alternatives

To protect our local wildlife, those looking to rid their property of rodents should pivot toward more sustainable and ethical pest management strategies. The most effective first steps involve preventing infestations entirely by securing food sources and sealing entry points around the home, combined with monitoring for early signs of rodent activity. When active control is needed, catch-and-release traps offer an ethical solution that completely avoids introducing toxins into the food web. These traps should be checked often to ensure that animals caught in them do not starve or dehydrate. Consumers should, however, avoid using glue traps, which cause prolonged and unnecessary suffering for the captured animal.

If chemical intervention becomes absolutely necessary, opting for first-generation rodenticides (such as warfarin) is a safer chemical choice than second-generation poisons. First-generation formulas break down faster in the body and pose a significantly lower risk of secondary poisoning to raptors. By making informed choices, we can effectively and ethically manage household pests without inadvertently poisoning the wildlife that naturally keeps their populations in check.

Written By: Kayla K., Class of 2027

Canine Distemper Virus: Not Just a Puppy Problem

Red Fox curled up in a hide box, laying on straw.

What is Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)?

Canine Distemper Virus is a highly contagious and often fatal virus that can affect the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of animals. These locations make sense when considering these are all systems that contain rapidly-dividing cells, which the virus loves to replicate in. You may have also heard of CDV through your local veterinarian as protection against this virus is part of the core vaccine series recommended for every dog by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Among the consequences of infection, immune suppression is the #1 reason behind its mass mortality, as it leaves its host extremely susceptible to other diseases, particularly in young. Mortality rates for distemper can vary from 50% in adult dogs to even 80% in puppies, unvaccinated pets unfortunately being the most commonly affected. But despite its name, it is crucial to note that this virus does not limit itself to canines; CDV can infect a wide range of species!

Who else can be affected by CDV?

Tub of raccoons with one standing up.

While domestic dogs are the most well‑known hosts, Distemper can infect a variety of wildlife. Susceptible species include:

  • Raccoons
  • Foxes
  • Coyotes
  • Skunks
  • Ferrets — 99.9% mortality rate when unvaccinated
  • Domestic and large cats — less common
  • Some species of seals

This broad host range means that CDV can move between pets and wildlife with surprising ease. This is also how it creates a cycle of infection that is hard to break without implementing community-wide prevention efforts, which you may figure is no easy fit.

What makes CDV especially tricky is that animals can shed the virus for weeks, even when they look healthy. Just think about it, how many possibilities are there for any of these species to come into direct or indirect contact with our pets? A sick raccoon could wander through your backyard and spread the virus before it starts showing any symptoms. Your dog may also happen to interact with a seemingly healthy fox or other creature carrying the disease (or their biological by-products) during your monthly hike. It’s also easy to forget the route goes both ways. Our own pets, regardless of the source of infection, can also carry the disease onto others. The long list of hosts and possibilities of spread is one of the reasons CDV remains such an important One Health concern, as its impact can certainly extend past our homes and into the ecosystems around us.

What happens when an animal becomes infected?

CDV spreads through respiratory droplets (i.e. coughing or sneezing) and bodily fluids including saliva, urine, and feces. Once infected, there is a 10-14 day incubation period where the virus is settling in and replicating. An animal may then show initially mild and cold-like signs:

  • Fever
  • Watery eyes or nasal discharge
  • Tiredness
  • Decreased appetite

As the virus progresses, the symptoms can worsen as well:

  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Pneumonia (i.e. trouble breathing, persistent coughing, lethargy…)
  • Thickened paw pads (AKA, the classic “Hard pad disease” sign)

If the virus then reaches the nervous system, animals may develop neurologic signs like muscle twitching, seizures, or trouble walking (stumbling). Unfortunately, these are often permanent and can be fatal.

What you can do to help:

Vaccinate Your Pets:

Vaccination is the most powerful tool we have! The distemper vaccine has been proven safe, effective, and widely recommended for all dogs regardless of lifestyle. From an objective perspective, the benefits can outweigh the risks. It offers protection for your dog against the life‑threatening disease, prevents the virus from spreading to wildlife, plus helps keep local ecosystems balanced.

Feeders and Keeping Wildlife Wild:

Feeding wildlife or leaving food outdoors creates gathering spots where CDV can spread easily through increased close contact and shared surfaces. It is important to note that animals that become dependent on human‑provided food may also lose essential survival skills, making them more vulnerable over time. Allowing wildlife to find natural food sources is safest, but in the case you choose to feed certain species, consider using methods that limit cross‑species contact and keep feeders clean. Simple choices, like hanging bird feeders high enough to deter raccoons and foxes or using small openings that discourage squirrels, help reduce CDV spread and support healthier wildlife communities.

Report Sick Wildlife:

If you see a wild animal acting strangely (i.e. notice stumbling, twitching, or being friendlier than appropriate), contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center or animal control. These behaviors may signal CDV or another serious illness.

Stay Informed with Reliable Sources:

Because misinformation can lead to harm, it is crucial to aim for reliable, science‑based resources to stay up to date on related topics. Some examples of organizations that provide trustworthy information on disease outbreaks, vaccination guidelines, and wildlife health include:

  • American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)
  • Veterinary school and wildlife clinic websites
  • State public health or natural resources departments

As a final gentle reminder: Never hesitate to reach out! Your care makes a difference, plus people in this field of work are often happy to support you and grateful for your efforts.

Written By: Jennifer G., Class of 2026

Bats, Skunks, and Geese-Oh My!

Two bats on a gloved hand. One is sleeping and one is yawning.

Every day, the Wildlife Medical Clinic receives numerous calls from concerned community members about animals that appear sick or injured outside. Many of those people attempt to capture the injured wildlife, so they can be seen and treated at the Wildlife Medical Clinic. However, did you know that there are certain species you should use caution around and avoid, even if they appear to need help?

Bats and Skunks

Bats and skunks are two Illinois native species that the Wildlife Medical Clinic cannot receive. Why? These are two of the biggest vectors– animals that commonly transmit disease – of rabies virus. In fact, Illinois law makes it illegal for the wildlife clinic to take in sick or injured bats and skunks because of the high risk of rabies transmission, which would pose a major threat to the student volunteers, faculty, and community members that come into contact with these animals. Additionally, the rabies virus causes a multitude of different symptoms in wildlife, including profound depression, incoordination, and a lack of fear towards people — leading community members to stumble upon these animals more often. Our human instinct is to try and help the vulnerable critter, but Illinois state law and your friends at the Wildlife Medical Clinic urge you to stay far away. Wildlife, whether sick or not, often act unpredictably, and being bitten by a skunk or bat could potentially expose you to the rabies virus.

Waterfowl

Similarly, we encourage the public to keep their distance from geese and other waterfowl (ducks, swans, etc.) during the fall and winter months, due to a disease called Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Unlike the common flu people get, HPAI can cause severe neurological disease in our bird species, and has the potential to spread to humans and other domestic animals. Because of their migration patterns, geese and other water birds are currently the most frequent carriers of HPAI, which poses a public health risk if community members handle these birds directly – such as capturing them to bring into the clinic.

I found a bat, skunk, or goose that needs help. Now what?

The best thing to do is to call your local animal control facility. They have the proper equipment, training, and safety measures to be able to capture these animals, and avoid possible public endangerment. The Wildlife Medical Clinic will still accept and treat waterfowl like geese in the clinic, but only after they have tested negative for HPAI, which animal control can help facilitate by examining the birds for clinical signs before bringing them to the WMC. These protocols are in place not just to protect the public, but to keep our volunteers in the clinic safe as well.

After calling animal control, the best thing to do around sick or injured bats, skunks, and waterbirds is to keep as much distance as you possibly can. Do not attempt to handle these species directly under any circumstances, and avoid the painful (and expensive!) post-exposure-prophylaxis shots that must be given if you are bit or scratched by an animal that could carry rabies, or potential exposure to HPAI. We know it is tempting to want to help an animal in need, but we encourage you to leave it to the professionals when it comes to bats, skunks, and waterfowl, to keep everyone as safe as possible.

Written By: Kayla B., Class of 2027

White-Nose Syndrome in Bats

Bat in gloved hand of a licensed rehabilitator in Texas.

Bats of Illinois

Illinois is home to a confirmed 13 different bat species who are all insectivores. Despite their feared reputation for carrying diseases such as rabies and feeding on blood, these bats are crucial ecologically and economically as they provide natural pest control, reducing insect pests for crops and saving farmers billions in pesticide costs. With insects in Illinois not being available year-round, different bat species must either hibernate or migrate to survive the winter. Bats that tend to hibernate in cooler areas, such as caves or abandoned mines, over the past decade have had their populations across North America decimated. Some common species in Illinois that are cool-cave hibernators are tri-colored bats, little brown bat, Indiana bat, and the northern long-eared bat which are now all endangered. The primary culprit of this phenomenon being White-Nose Syndrome. Other species that hibernate in warmer areas or have migratory patterns have been more resilient to white-nose syndrome.  

White-Nose Syndrome

In February 2006, a cave explorer in upstate New York discovered numerous bats coated with a white fungus. Researchers then launched an extensive investigation from Vermont to Virginia in the Winter of 2006-07 while they were hibernating to determine the extent of this previously unknown phenomenon. What they discovered was a fungus that was decimating entire bat populations, with mortality rates above 90%. Now close to two decades later it has spread to over 40 states and killing millions of bats. First spotted in Illinois in 2013, Pseudogymnoascus destructans is a fungus that thrives in cold and damp places that some bat species like to hibernate/congregate. It prefers to grow in temperature ranges of 39-59 Fahrenheit and will not grow above 68 Fahrenheit. As the fungus is not an airborne pathogen, the fungus is primarily spread from bat-to-bat contact. Due to this, bat colonies become rapidly infected during hibernation when they shut off their metabolism to save energy and are in close contact with each other.

Symptoms of White-Nose Syndrome

Bat with white muzzle indicating signs of white nose syndrome

Once infected, researchers have noted that the fungal infection causes hibernating bats to rouse, or awake from a state of torpor. Each time they rouse it causes them to use up their saved winter stores. Overtime, if the fungus causes the bat to rouse too often, it causes abnormal behavioral changes such as flying during the winter to try and feed instead of hibernating. Finding dead or dying bats on the ground in the winter is a strong indicator of white-nose syndrome. Other characteristic symptoms are the white growth of the fungus on the bats’ wings and muzzles.

Bats of all ages are susceptible to White-Nose syndrome and once infected there is currently no known effective treatment or cure. Researchers are currently developing an effective vaccine to protect colonies, UV-C light treated caves, probiotics to improve natural skin microbiome to slow fungal growth, use of volatile organic compounds (B-23), and temperature regulation are some preventative therapies being researched.

How to stop the spread of White-Nose Syndrome

Although the exact known cause of the spread of white-nose syndrome to North America is unknown, it is well hypothesized that human activity contributed to its spread from Europe. The fungus is naturally present in Europe and many of the bat species are well adapted as the mortality rates in Eurasian bat species are significantly lower. Additionally, bats are the only species known to date that can contract an infection from P. destructans and humans are unable to be infected. Due to this, researchers believe humans carry the fungus from cave to cave allowing a more rapid spread. Research has shown that the fungus can survive on clothing and surfaces for many years depending on conditions and advise anyone visiting a cave or mine to decontaminate afterwards. It is also recommended we do not wear similar equipment or clothing when visiting a different location with bats. Although bats that typically hibernate to survive the winter are mostly affected, it is important to remember that bats that migrate or hibernate in warmer conditions can also get infected or become carriers to spread the disease.

Written By: David K.

Works Cited

“Fighting White-Nose Syndrome in BATS Benefits Agriculture, Study Shows.” ACES Research News, CSU Press Release, 13 May 2022, https://aces.illinois.edu/news/fighting-white-nose-syndrome-bats-benefits-agriculture-study-shows.

Matteson, Mollie. “Devastating Bat-Killing Disease Reaches Illinois.” Center for Biological Diversity , 28 Feb. 2013, www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2013/white-nose-syndrome-02-28-2013.html.

“Nature Curiosity: What Is White-Nose Syndrome? | Forest Preserve District of Will County.” Forest Preserve District Will County , Reconnect with Nature , 4 Nov. 2024, www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/the-buzz/nature-curiosity-what-is-white-nose-syndrome/.

Vachula, Laura. “Preventing and Treating White-Nose Syndrome: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.” FWS.Gov, Wildlife Management, 28 Mar. 2023, www.fws.gov/story/preventing-and-treating-white-nose-syndrome.

“White-Nose Syndrome Faqs (U.S. National Park Service).” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 5 Nov. 2024, www.nps.gov/articles/white-nose-syndrome-faqs.htm.

“Wild about Illinois Bats!” Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Aug. 2019, https://dnr.illinois.gov/education/wildaboutpages/wildaboutwildmammals/wildaboutmammalsbats.html.

When a Shell, Isn’t Just a Shell

A Painted turtle being held by a person in gloves.

Intake

At the beginning of October, the Wildlife Medical Clinic welcomed a Painted Turtle brought in by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator from Illinois. Sadly, this patient had been the victim of a common — and often underestimated — threat to our native turtle populations: vehicle collision.

Many people are surprised to learn that when a turtle is hit by a car, the damage often goes far beyond what’s visible on the surface. A common misconception is that shell injuries aren’t serious. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.

Shell Damage Is Skeletal Damage

A turtle’s shell isn’t just a protective outer layer — it’s a vital part of their skeletal system. Their ribs and spine are fused directly to the shell, which means that any cracks or fractures are often accompanied by internal trauma.

Our Painted Turtle patient arrived with multiple shell fractures, affecting the carapace (top shell), plastron (bottom shell), and bridge (the sides of the shell that connect top and bottom). These injuries alone were concerning — but we knew there could be more going on beneath the surface.

Imaging Reveals Deeper Injuries

To assess the extent of internal trauma, we performed radiographs (x-rays). Unfortunately, the images revealed fractures to multiple bones of the pectoral girdle of both forelimbs. The pectoral girdle are bones near the shoulder that are essential for forelimb function. These types of internal injuries significantly complicate recovery and reduce the likelihood of successful release.

How Did We Approach This Tough Situation?

Reptiles like turtles have slow metabolic rates, meaning healing takes much longer than in mammals — often over a year for serious injuries. Surgical repair of the bones of the pectoral girdle is not feasible in turtles, though minor injuries can heal with time and rest. In this patient’s case, its injuries were catastrophic, impacting both forelimbs, and unlikely to result in a functional outcome for either forelimb. This species of aquatic turtle requires function of at least 3 of 4 limbs for success in the wild post-release. Additionally, severe trauma to the pectoral girdle is often accompanied by extensive trauma to the lungs, the cranial aspect of which are adjacent to these bony structures.  While we evaluated options, we ensured the turtle had a quiet enclosure, pain management, and food.

A Difficult Final Decision

After much consideration, our veterinary team made the difficult decision to pursue humane euthanasia. While our clinic regularly treats turtles with shell and limb injuries — many of which go on to be successfully released — the severity of this patient’s internal injuries, paired with her lack of appetite and movement, made recovery highly unlikely.

Our goal is always to prioritize quality of life, and in this case, euthanasia was the most compassionate and medically appropriate choice.

What Can You Do?

During the fall, turtles often cross roads in search of overwintering sites. You
can help protect them by:

  • Slowing down and staying alert near wetlands, forests, or creeks
  • Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator if you find a turtle that appears injured — even if it seems like it’s okay. Prompt medical attention can make a life-saving difference.

Thank you for supporting our work and helping protect native wildlife through awareness, compassion, and action!

Written by: Natalie L., Class of 2028

Works Cited:

Hirasawa T., Nagashima H., Kuratani S. The endoskeletal origin of the turtle carapace. Nat Commun. 2013;4:2107. Retrieved October 17, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3715867/

Jackson DC. Hibernating without oxygen: physiological adaptations of the painted turtle. J Physiol. 2002 Sep 15;543(Pt 3):731-7. Retrieved October 17,2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2290531/

Virginia Zoo in Norfolk. Where did the turtles go for the winter? 2023 October 20. Retrieved October 17, 2025, from https://virginiazoo.org/where-did-the-turtles-go-for-the-winter

Wildlife Medical Clinic
John A. Coyne South Clinic
2100 South Goodwin Avenue
Urbana, IL 61801
217-244-1195
College of Veterinary Medicine