Found red-eared slider turtle near Riverfront Park
Description
I found a red-eared slider turtle this afternoon around 2:45pm near Riverfront Park along the Ohio River in the Parkersburg-Marietta area. It's about 4 inches long, with a bright green shell peppered with yellow speckles and a distinct red stripe behind each eye. The shell shows a tiny crescent-shaped scar on the left rear scute, and one tiny chip at the edge of the plastron. It seemed active, alert, and hungry but I didn’t want to keep it. If this is your pet or you know who it belongs to, I’m happy to hold onto it or arrange a safe drop-off near the Blennerhassett Ferry dock.
Approximate found location
Pin shows an approximate area, not the exact spot — to protect privacy.
How to safely return this item
A short checklist to protect you and the item during the handoff.
Verify the owner before handing it back
- Ask the claimant for a specific identifying detail before confirming.
- If valuable, ask for a photo with matching ID, receipt, or original packaging.
- Never post the precise location publicly. Share it only with a verified owner.
- Do not accept payment to return it. That is a red flag for a scam claim.
Meet in a safe, public place
- Police stations, café entrances, transport hubs, and shop foyers all work.
- Meet during daylight hours where there is CCTV and foot traffic.
- Avoid private homes, car parks at night, or isolated locations.
Bring someone with you
- Tell a friend or family member where you are meeting and when.
- Share your live location with them during the handoff.
- For high-value items, consider contacting your local police station for advice first.
Keep communication on lostandfound.io
- Use the in-app message thread so there is a record if something goes wrong.
- Do not move to WhatsApp, SMS, or email until you have exchanged a verifying detail.
- Never share bank details, government ID numbers, or copies of your ID.