Here's how it's done:

• Head to Twitter or Instagram and post a picture.
• In your caption, include the hashtag phrase #TurtleRescueTeam. 
• Follow the instructions to "claim" your photo and look for it to appear on our #TurtleRescueTeam gallery

We'll be choosing our favorites to win those spiffy prizes. Just be sure your account is public so that we can see your submission. And don't forget to "claim" your photo so we can find you if you win. Check out this week's winners.

See your picture here on our contest gallery!

So what kind of pictures are we looking for? It could be a selfie with Myrtle at the Aquarium, or even with her mug on the ads around town. It could be your family enjoying our newest exhibit. It could you at the beach (or anywhere) with a reusable water bottle or grocery tote—because reusing those items can help turtles! Or maybe you rescued a turtle from the street by helping it cross the road. You see, turtle rescuers come in all walks of life, shapes and sizes. We can't wait to see what you post!

Check out some of the recent submissions:

Yes! This pic of a visitor exploring our newest exhibit appears on our #TurtleRescueTeam gallery and @khnew is entered to win cool swag—including a grand prize of a Meet Myrtle program!

@neallk shared this turtle-y awesome pic from a recent visit with #TurtleRescueTeam. You bet they're entered to win turtle swag!

@mmdill carefully helped this turtle cross the road. Yup, they're entered to win cool stuff through our #TurtleRescueTeam hashtagging fun!

Whoa, that's a big turtle in that last pic. Time for a PSA! Here are some handy tips to keep in mind if you find a wild turtle from our top turtle expert, Dr. Charles Innis, head veterinarian at the Aquarium:

• If you see a turtle on a quiet road, stop and let it cross—but only if it’s safe for you! Turtles move about to find mates and lay eggs. Our roads interrupt those journeys.
• Gently move the turtle to the side of the road by holding the sides of its shell near the tail. Be careful, some turtles can bite! Be sure to wash your hands afterward.
• Never transport turtles to a different habitat or distant locations. You could be spreading disease and removing a breeding adult from its population.
• Do not release pet turtles into the wild. They also carry disease and non-native species can out-compete our local species. Call your local pet shop if you need help. 
• Advocate for habitat protection. Turtles live a long time and often return to the same places to breed and lay eggs. Protecting their swamps mean many more generations of turtles can thrive.

Need more turtle to start your summer? Of course you do! Plan a visit to the Aquarium to explore our new exhibit. You'll also learn how communities are coming together to protect turtle habitats and get a glimpse at some of our greatest turtle rescue success stories.