Two Fall River Environmental Police Officers make nice save; here is what the public should know about these turtles

Some Fall River officers made a nice save recently while also wanting to inform the public.

According to police, Fall River Environmental Police Officers William Medeiros and Nelson Brum, safely moved an Eastern Box Turtle to its native habitat.

Eastern box turtles are a species of special concern under the Massachusetts endangered species act.

If you discover an eastern box turtle crossing the road, you may pick it up and place it gently on the other side of the road it was traveling to, but no further. Removing an eastern box turtle from their territory is prohibited by law. Even if they are returned to native woodland, if they are not placed within their territory, they will search for their home, often without eating, until their demise.

If you have knowledge of an eastern box turtle which has been removed from the woods, please contact Fall River Environmental Police so that they may coordinate with the proper animal rescue experts.