1. Don't Pollute or Litter. Pollution makes its way into water bodies and wild areas, poisoning turtles and destroying their habitats. Always properly dispose of any hazardous materials such as paint or oil. Garbage, such as plastic bags, kills many pond turtles and sea turtles who either ingest it or become entangled in it. Reduce the amount of garbage you produce, and dispose of it properly.

2. Protect Turtle Habitat. Become active in your local conservation commission or parks and recreation department, and work to preserve turtle habitat.

3. Stop Turtle Exploitation. Avoid activities such as turtle races. They involve taking turtles out of their natural habitats and exposing them to many dangers and an enormous amount of stress. Races can harm individual turtles as well as entire local wild populations.

4. Give Turtles a Brake. If you see a turtle crossing a road, gently pick him up and carry him across in the direction he was headed. (But be sure that you don't get hit by a car in the process.) If the turtle is a large one or a snapping turtle, use a stick to nudge him gently across the road without getting too close.

5. Enjoy Turtles in the Wild. Never keep wild turtles as pets or buy them from a pet store. The reptile trade is responsible for tremendous animal suffering and serious damage to turtle populations. Learn to enjoy turtles by observing them in their natural habitat, where they belong. If turtles live in your yard, why not keep them happy by building a pond and by landscaping with plants that provide protection and food? Edible plants for turtles include tropical hibiscus, dandelion, geraniums, and Chinese lantern. (Make sure that your plants are free of pesticide and herbicide residue.) Piles of leaves, vines, and downed trees make perfect turtle hiding places.

6. Do Not Disturb. Steer clear of the beach at night during the summer. Your presence will frighten nesting sea turtles back into the sea, preventing them from laying eggs and jeopardizing any eggs they have laid.

7. Turn Out the Lights. Do not shine bright lights on the beach at night. Oppose coastal development such as condominiums, houses, resorts, and hotels; they tend to expose beaches to excessive artificial lighting, which discourages female turtles from approaching the beach to lay eggs. The light also draws hatchlings away from the ocean, disorients them, and exposes them to predation and deadly dehydration.

8. Report Crimes. Tell local authorities if you see any person harassing or poaching a sea turtle, her eggs, hatchlings, or nests. These activities are violations of U.S. state and federal laws.

9. See What You Can Do. Several groups are involved in research, conservation, and advocacy work to protect sea turtles. Join one of these groups to stay informed.

10. Spread the Word. Educate others about the importance of protecting turtles from commercial exploitation and abuse in your community and throughout the world. Be a voice for turtles.

Human Society of the United States.