Why Did the Turtle Cross the Road?

Every year more and more turtles are being killed by vehicles than any predator or any other factor in nature. As our human thumb print and land development keeps expanding so does the roaming areas of turtles and other species. Now some turtles like a snapping turtle are easy to spot but the smaller species not so much and if you are driving your vehicle at a fast rate sometimes you just cannot get out of the way fast enough. However, some of us have witnessed motorist swerving just to hit these almost defenseless creatures who are just looking for a place to nest and hatch their young. Some motorists have the best of intentions when stopping to help a turtle cross the road but have no idea how to properly help a turtle get out of harms way. Hopefully, this article will give you a clear understand so that you can help save a turtle the next time you see one struggling or if you want to call and talk to an expert Loomacres Wildlife Management has several wildlife biologist on staff that can help you or walk you through it.

WHY DID THE TURTLE CROSS THE ROAD?
During the late spring months and early summer months, female turtles are not acting like chickens just to get to the other side of the road, they have somewhere to be. Many female turtles will cross a road or highway bearing eggs looking for a place to nest. Semi aquatic turtles can be looking for wetland habitat depending on the season. Hatchlings (baby turtles) in roadways are typically looking ponds and streams to make as their permanent home.
Tips When Moving or Handling Turtles.

1. Handle with Care: If you must pick up a turtle gentle grab it by the sides of the shell with the head facing away from you. Be careful because some turtles empty their bladder once they are scared and no one wants that especially trying to score good Samaritan points.
2. Do Not Relocate: Turtles have exceedingly small roaming areas and if you relocate them, chances are they will wonder aimlessly searching for their territory. So do not relocate them to a new home, simply help them and be on your way.
3. Place them in the Direction they are heading: If you need to move a turtle move them in the direction, they were heading otherwise they will just keep trying to cross the roadway repeatedly.
4. LOOK BOTH WAYS: Sometimes good intentions can lead to tragic results. If you are pulling over to help a turtle, remember to look both ways and when you pull over always put your flashers on and pull over as far as you can on the shoulder of the road for the safety of other drivers and yourself.
5. Watch Your Fingers: Snapping Turtles have some of the most powerful jaws in the animal kingdom and if you are not careful enough their deceptive snapping ability could result in a major injury. The best thing to do when dealing with a snapping turtle is call an expert and let them deal with it. (Click Here for Video)
6. Do not Keep Them as Pets: I know they are cute and majestic but keeping a turtle as a pet is typically a terrible idea. Over 84% of adult turtles caught in the wild and kept in a home-based aquarium die within the first 2 months of captivity. If you are looking for a pet go to the pet store.

If you want more information or have a problem with turtles on your property or in your roadways please fill out the fields below and someone from Loomacres Wildlife Management will reach out to you shortly.

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Spotted Turtle Wikipedia

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