Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator- Castalia, OH
Reptiles & amphibians
Found a reptile or amphibian and not sure what to do? You're in the right place.
Scroll down for guidance on when to help and when to leave them alone.
Common reptile & amphibian situations
Snake in your yard
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Leave it alone. Most are harmless & beneficial
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Do not relocate wildlife
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If injured, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator
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Turtle in your yard
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This is often normal during nesting season
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Do not move the turtle
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If babies hatch, let them travel on their own
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Turtle crossing the road
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You can help it cross in the direction it was heading
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Move it safely and quickly
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Do not take it to a different location
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Reptile or amphibian in your house
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Gently guide it outside if possible
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If injured or you're unsure what to do, contact us
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Have questions? Call us at 419-684-9539, we're happy to help.
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Snakes
Found a snake?
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It's normal to feel uneasy. Most snakes in Ohio are harmless and play an important role in the ecosystem.
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If the snake is not injured
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Leave it alone
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Do not attempt to move or handle it
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If the snake is injured
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Do not handle directly
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Use a container (like a bin or bucket) to safely contain if possible
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Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator
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Worried about venomous snakes?
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Venomous species are rare in our area
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If you're unsure, keep a safe distance and contact us
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To reduce snakes near your home
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Keep yards clear of debris
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Remove woodpiles and clutter
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Reduce hiding spots
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Have questions or need help? Call us at 419-684-9539.
Snapping Turtles
Snapping turtles can look intimidating, but they're just trying to defend themselves. Here's how to safely help one if needed:
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If you're helping it cross the road
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Move it in the direction it was heading
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Keep your hands away from the head
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Important safety tips
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Never pick up a snapping turtle by its tail (this can seriously injure them)
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They have long necks and can reach farther than you expect
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Best way to move or contain
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Use a shovel or similar tool to gently guide or lift them
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A container (like a bin or tote lid) can help move them safely
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If you must handle it
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Hold the shell at the very back (near the tail)
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Support the underside from the rear
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Keep your hands away from the sides and head at all times
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When in doubt, give us a call at 419-684-9539, we're happy to help.
Why Can't I Just Keep It?
We get it, baby turtles, frogs, and snakes are cute. But native wildlife are not pets, and there are important reasons why.
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Wild animals have specialized needs
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Reptiles and amphibians require very specific diets, temperatures, and environments
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Improper care often leads to deformities, illness, or early death
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Keeping wildlife can harm their survival
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Animals raised in captivity often cannot survive if released later
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They may lose their natural behaviors they need to find food or avoid predators
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It can spread disease
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Wildlife kept in captivity can be exposed to new bacteria, fungi, and viruses
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Releasing them later can introduce these into wild populations
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It's illegal in Ohio
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Native wildlife cannot be kept as pets without proper permits
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The bottom line
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Wild animals belond in the wild and that's where they have the best chance to thrive.
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If you've found an animal and aren't sure what to do, call us at 419-684-9539. We're here to help.