The Department of Environmental Conservation is asking people to keep an eye out for turtles that might be in the road.  You might see more of them this next month.

 

"Give Turtles A Brake!"

That's what the DEC is asking motorists in New York State to do.  They're reminding people that between the months of May and June many turtles can be seen crossing the road as they migrate to nesting areas.  They say thousands of them are hit and killed and they're asking you to keep an eye out for them.

 

It sounds like a bad joke

Why did the turtle cross the road?  Unfortunately, there isn't a funny response to this.  Essentially semiaquatic turtles need to find mates and nesting sites.  They don't lay eggs in the water so if they live in a creek or pond, they have to leave that area to reproduce.

Can I help it get where it's going?

If you see a turtle in the road, you can gently help it get to the other side, but always make sure you take it in the direction that it's already headed.  Don't try to "guide it toward water."  It might be coming from that water and it will end up having to cross the road anyway.  Never take a turtle that you find in the road home to keep as a pet.  They're wild animals.  They should stay in the wild.

If you see one that could be in danger, you can help it...enjoy watching it for awhile, but then let it continue on its way.

Also...if it's a snapping turtle, they can really cause some damage.  BE VERY CAREFUL WITH THEM.

Here are some tips to help you safely move a turtle to the other side of the road:

 

A couple years ago we were sitting at the table at my wife's grandma's house when we saw a turtle crossing the road.  When I got out there this is what I saw...

(Brett Alan)
(Brett Alan)
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(Brett Alan)
(Brett Alan)
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This mama was laying her eggs right next to the road.  It doesn't seem to be the safest place to lay eggs...but what do I know?

 

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