LONDONDERRY, N.H. — Turtle nesting season is upon us, and female turtles are making the journey to lay their eggs, with an endangered species doing so in Londonderry.
Drew Stevens, co-founder of NH Turtle Rescue is more affected by nesting season than most. Stevens and Dallas Huggins, his co-founder and wife, run the nonprofit based in their Nottingham home dedicated to turtle rescue, rehabilitation and release.
Stevens said Londonderry is home to populations of the critically imperiled Blanding’s turtle, with areas in town serving as a suitable habitat for the reptiles.
“In Londonderry, there are some of the few stable populations of some of those species like Blanding’s turtles,” he said.
Blanding’s turtles can survive for over 75 years in the wild, but take 14-21 years to reach maturity. So, the adult turtle’s survival has a direct impact on their population, Stevens said.
“There are studies that have estimated losing one adult Blanding’s turtle every five years is enough to eventually lead to local extinction of that population,” he said.
Once Blanding’s turtles reach adulthood, habitat loss and fragmentation pose major threats.
“Some of these Blanding’s turtles have been tracked moving up to two miles away from their home wetland range to find that suitable habitat. So, when those areas have roads built across them, those are really one of the only risks that an adult Blanding’s turtle has once it reaches full size,” Stevens said.
Blanding’s turtles also face danger when encountering motor vehicles Stevens said.
“The only thing that they can’t withstand is a car running over them,” he said.
Stevens also said those who want to help turtles should take into account where they are located before acting.
“If you see a turtle actively crossing the road, helping it in the direction that it’s headed is always the best thing you can do. If you see a turtle at the side of the road digging, it’s best not to disturb it because that means it’s trying to nest, most likely,” he said.
If you encounter an injured turtle, you can call 603-417-4944 to reach NH Turtle Rescue.