Nova Inventa herps!

Hi, reptile enthusiasts. Dog enthusiast here. And general animal lover.

I took in a Jack Russell/Blue Heeler mix and he’s feeling the call of his genes. He likes digging for little critters in our yard. Downside is that most of the critters are box turtles.

This lovable little psycho started showing up with very angry, gently chewed turtles last spring. I’ve tried the stuff I can on the dog end: enrichment, alternatives, training, etc. But instinct is hardcore, so all I can do is minimize the stress he puts on the turtles.

It might be goofy, but it’s important to me that the turtles get to keep their space (I read they don’t relocate well due to the stress) without having to be periodically chewed on. Shell or not, it seems like that would hurt and be traumatic. We have turtle snacks now so I wear gloves, clean them up, let their wound scab over, and then set them outside in a safe spot with a snack.

Winter is coming and he’ll be trying to interrupt their hibernation (torpor? I’m not sure what they do but I know they lock down for the cold). He dug them up repeatedly last year. I wanted to protect their hibernation spots but didn’t want to cover them in case the turtles needed out and I blocked them inadvertently.

So I guess I have a handful of questions if y’all could help me save the turtles.

1. I’ve just been cleaning them with lukewarm water. I didn’t trust any regular antiseptics, and I wasn’t sure if salt water could hurt them externally. I also always wear gloves to prevent contaminating their wounds. Is that the best way to do it or is there a better way to nurse their wounds?

2. Is it true that they can’t be relocated? If they can’t be moved safely, what’s the next best option? They can’t live their lives being terrorized this way.

3. When it comes to their hibernation (or whatever you call their winter hunker-down), can I put a cover over their holes? I assume I can’t cover them with rocks to keep Mercury out, but maybe a cage type thing nailed into the dirt? Also is it bad for them to have my dog digging them up mid-winter? Am I harming them by simply putting them back in their hole and letting them figure out the rest?

If y’all have any suggestions I’d be so grateful. Please and thank you!

ETA The turtle-hating jerk face in question, top, and a very patient boy, below.

can someone please recommend an online available textbook on bastien mimicry (and any other related textbooks)

thank you!!

Hi!

I just found this little guy in our office bathroom (Atlanta, Ga), and am trying to figure out what kind he is and if he's native or non native. If he's native, I'll release him outside, but I don't want to go releasing him if he is a pet species or invasive species. If it's in the latter category, any tips on care?

Thanks in advance!

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