179 Saving Oka – With NH Turtle Rescue
In this episode of Warden’s Watch, Wayne follows up on the disturbing New Hampshire turtle cruelty
case by sitting down with Dallas Huggins and Drew Stevens of the New Hampshire Turtle Rescue. They
share Oka the turtle’s recovery story, explain the challenges facing native turtle populations, and
highlight the conservation work needed to protect these remarkable animals for generations to come.
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Here’s what we discuss:
Why Wayne wanted to learn more about turtle rescue after covering the turtle cruelty case
Wayne’s story about rescuing an injured crow nicknamed “Survivor”
Meeting Dallas Huggins and Drew Stevens from New Hampshire Turtle Rescue
How Oka the turtle got her name
The rescue’s annual naming themes for turtles
Reports of turtle crossing signs being vandalized in Hillsboro
Growing concerns about an unusually high number of dead turtles on one road
Neighbors documenting suspicious activity around turtle crossing areas
The night Oka was discovered
Volunteer transporters helped get Oka to the rescue
The extent of Oka’s shell injuries
Emergency treatment, pain management, and stabilization efforts
“What pain has a turtle ever done to anybody?”
Conservation Officer Zach Abrahamson’s investigation
The use of a turtle decoy during the investigation
Charges laid against the offender
Discussion about penalties and wildlife cruelty laws
Public reaction to the case
Gaps in legal protections for some turtle species
Efforts to strengthen New Hampshire’s turtle protection regulations
The dangers of people taking wild turtles home as pets
Challenges caused by improper care and disease transmission
The impact of illegal turtle collection and the pet trade
How Oka’s shell repair differed from typical vehicle-strike injuries
Concerns about possible spinal damage and paralysis
The painstaking process of cleaning and rebuilding a damaged shell
Discovering that Oka was still carrying an egg after the attack
Recovery updates and Oka’s progress
“She’s acting like a normal turtle.”
Why the rescue believes the case should serve as a catalyst for change
The origins of New Hampshire Turtle Rescue
Learning wildlife rehabilitation through raptor and general wildlife care
Taking over turtle rehabilitation work from a retiring mentor
Expectations of a few turtle cases turning into hundreds
Growing demand for turtle-specific wildlife rehabilitation
Why roads are the biggest threat facing many turtle populations
The importance of habitat conservation
How long-lived turtle species struggle to recover from population losses
The role of wetlands, vernal pools, and connected habitats
Wildlife-friendly culverts and safe road crossings
Efforts to improve crossings for Blanding’s turtles and other species
Why rehabilitation is only a temporary solution without habitat protection
Moving turtles safely across roads
Seasonal turtle movements beyond nesting season
Fall migrations to overwintering sites
The remarkable site fidelity of native turtles
“The best way to help turtles is land conservation.”
How listeners can support New Hampshire Turtle Rescue
Resources available for people who find injured turtles
The rescue’s mission to help an ever-growing number of turtles
Credits
Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores
Producer: Jay Ammann
Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett
Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches
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