Native reptiles are protected by state laws and it is illegal for the public to possess these creatures. It is imperative that any injured or orphaned reptiles be brought to a permitted wildlife rehabilitator so that they can get proper care.
Reptiles are very hardy and resilient animals. With supportive care, most reptiles can recover fully from a variety of injuries.
If you find an injured reptile, place it in a cardboard box somewhere warm, dark and quiet. Do not give them any food or water. Call a rehabilitator.
Do not attempt to handle a venomous snake. Even non-venomous snakes will bite. If you cannot positively identify the snake, do not handle it. Place a box over the snake and call a rehabilitator.
After most baby reptiles are born or hatched, they are on their own and do not need to be rescued. If their safety is compromised by the presence of a predator, they can be relocated to a safe location.
Turtles crossing the road:
It is a very kind deed to help a turtle crossing the road in traffic. However, DO NOT RISK INJURY TO YOURSELF IN DOING SO. Please be extremely careful to watch for a long lapse in traffic and ALWAYS place the turtle far off the road in the direction he intended.
A turtle that has been hit by a car and suffered a cracked shell can be rehabilitated. Please make note of the area that the turtle was picked up so it can be returned to its territory.
Gulf Coast Wildlife Rescue 