Bow Turtle Hibernating

Question
Hi,
I have a bow turtle, who is around 12 years old. We have a beautiful outside enclosure for her, and right how she is hibernating. What I am worried about, is last year she came out on the 17th of March. I rmembered where she is buried, because i watched her dig her hole. But just resently her shell became visible. the dirt sort of "sunk in" by her shell. I am really worried she miight have died? Should i cover her shell to protect it? Should i just leave it alone?

Thanks,
Maria

Answer
Hello The best I cand advise is that you allow a few more days then please take her to a vet to have her checked. It is possible that she is trying to come out of her burrow and is still weak from hibernating. I would recommend allowing her the same time frame as before and then slowly remove her fromt he burrow.