Injured Baby Painted Turtle

Question
Hello,
We were out fishing this weekend and a baby turtle was just floating near the boat. I originally thought it was dead but when we scooped it up in the net we found out that we were wrong. It is alive, however, it appears to be injured. I brought him home hoping to maybe cure and release back into the wild but it doesn't seem like he can move one of his back legs. I really don't want to release him if he is just going to die, but is it legal for me to keep him in MN? I know if I were to let him go now he would get eaten or just die but he may have a chance for a decent life in captivity.  I was nervous to look in the cage the morning after we had rescued him because I was earing the worst but was shocked to see it trying to move around on the dry landing and also trying to swim. The real icebreaker was when it decided to eat. Can you tell me if it legal to keep him? Thanks!

Answer
I don't know the laws in MN, but few states will prosecute a person taking one hurt turtle. I think the fish and game warden at the site is the biggest worry.

As for care, this can be tough, physically and emotionally for you. In all honesty, it is usually easier for a turtle (or most other animals) to recover in the wild than in captivity because captivity causes so much stress.

If you choose to try it, however, http://www.austinsturtlepage.com is full of good articles, care sheets, and medical advice.

Good luck!