Boulder police help stranded baby snapping turtles get to lake

DENVER ( KDVR ) — Police officers in Boulder helped relocate a group of stranded baby snapping turtles to a nearby lake.

“Fun fact: did you know that the average snapping turtle lays DOZENS of eggs? We learned that recently after receiving several calls to help these adorable, stranded baby turtles get to a nearby lake,” the Boulder Police Department wrote in a post on X Tuesday .

According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, snapping turtles are found in and near bodies of water in eastern Colorado, including streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and reservoirs in urban, suburban and rural areas.

“While firm data is scarce, evidence out of Canada shows that snapping turtles can live over 100 years,” the CPW website states.

Last year, officers were aware that there was a snapping turtle nest near an apartment complex and worked with a member of the community to place signs around the known nest. This year, Boulder police said another clutch of eggs was laid at the same apartment complex.

Police said many baby turtles got stuck in a stairwell on their way to the lake. Animal protection officers were able to safely relocate them closer to the lake.

“We love that we could help and appreciate the care and concern our community has for all its creatures,” the police department said.

The Boulder Police Department reminds the public to give wildlife space and to call animal protection for help or questions.

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