Box turtle found

Question
We live in VA.  Our dog "found" a box turtle this morning in the mud by a
stream on our property.  It appears the turtle was already hibernating. We
would like to ensure that it has a good chance of surviving the winter in as
natural a state as is possible.  For now, he /she is resting below some leaf
litter in the forest but I suspect that, to avoid freezing he or she will need to
be in ground that will maintain its temperature somewhere between 40 and
50 degrees. What should we do to help it survive the coming months?

Thanks,

Phil

Answer
Hi Philip, First I must laud you for the efforts you are making on this animal's behalf. You are correct that the right conditions must be achieved for this turtle to have any chance of surviving hibernation and to go on to breed in the spring. My experience is with the artificial hibernation of captive box turtles and tortoises and not with hibernation of boxies in their natural habitat . The fact that this turtle's hibernation has been interuppted adds a further complication. I also want to give him/her the best chance to survive and for you to have the best advice.  I have included some contacts here that should be able to provide that to you better then I can. The first is a reptile rescue organization in Virginia and the next two are licensed wildlife rehabbers in VA that deal with reptiles.
The 3rd is the contact for another expert on this list (Mick) who is experienced with wild box turtles. He is currently taking time off this site to deal with the hibernation issues of the animals at the rescue facility he is involved with but will take questions through this contact.
Good luck to you and your accidental visitor.

http://www.vareptilerescue.org/

http://www.wildlifecenter.org/

http://www.blueridgewildlife.org/#

http://www.freewebs.com/wichitafallsreptilerescue/contactus.htm