A Suffolk police officer and Volunteers for Wildlife rescued a turtle that was hit by a car Wednesday in Huntington Station.
The wildlife group reported that an officer notified them of the injured turtle when he came across it on East 17th Street. The Common Snapping Turtle was moved off the road and until on of the group’s rehabilitators rushed to his rescue.
An examination revealed a large fracture to the top of the shell and several minor fractures.
“The turtle has been started on pain medication, antibiotics and supportive care. His shell is temporarily stabilized until the swelling is reduced and the shell can be further stabilized. If all goes well, he will remain with us through the winter and will return home next spring or summer,” the group reported on Facebook.
It has raised $260 to care for its patients; this was its 1,700 rescue so far this year.
In May, volunteers from the same organization responded to a hit-and-run accident involving a hawk hit by a car on Dix Hills Road.