Volunteers rescue box turtles on Tybee Island

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) - A group of biologists, neighbors and volunteers gathered on Tybee Island Friday for a box turtle rescue mission.

The terrestrial creatures have a habitat on North Beach near Polk Street. The land will be the site of an Eco Park.

Construction on the project begins Monday, and several turtle enthusiasts wanted to relocate the reptiles beforehand.

Box turtles are common creatures. Jordan Gray with the Turtle Survival Alliance said people have probably seen them crossing streets, wandering in yards or enjoying pet life.

However, their population is rapidly declining due to habitat loss, pathogens and poaching.

Gray said that’s why Friday’s mission was so important.

“A lot of people care about turtles, especially here on the island people care about turtles,” Gray said. “But a lot of the focus is on marine turtles or sea turtles. But people know about the diamond back terrapins and also know about box turtles too. I mean box turtles for a lot of people have been part of our shared human experience.”

In less than an hour, five turtles were found on Tybee.

The rescued turtles are being temporarily relocated to Oatland Island Wildlife Center until construction is completed.