‘They’re just cool critters,’ Turtles starting to get more active across Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Officials with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission say it’s that time of year where Arkansans are seeing more turtles.

Trey Reid with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission says across the state some have already noticed more of these creatures with the hard shell.

“More people are seeing more turtles because they’re active right now and it’s just that time of year,” Reid said.

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Reid said there are several reasons why there are more turtle sightings.

“They’re reptiles and cold-blooded animals so when it warms up they become more active and also probably some breeding activity this year,” Reid said.

Many across the state might have already seen one Reid says on the roadway, in a yard and especially around shallow water.

“It wouldn’t be unusual to see a turtle just about anywhere,” Reid said.

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Reid said there are 17 or more species of turtles across Arkansas but how you treat them might need to be the same.

“My number one piece of advice with any wildlife is just leave them alone, my number two if you are compelled to move them make sure it’s safe to do so first off and don’t move them far,” Reid said.

Reid suggests if people do stop to help out turtles to not take them far and to not keep them as pets.

“They’re just cool critters and they’re very long-lived animals,” Reid said.

One of the most common turtles Reid said you could see in Arkansas are box turtles, but despite how cute they might be, he warns to be careful getting near any wild turtles.

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Also, Reid said Arkansans might start to see less turtles around October.

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