BUFFALO, N.Y. — May and June is nesting time for turtles and the New York State Department of Conservation (DEC) is reminding motorists to be on the look out the turtles on the roadways.
NYS DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar encouraged motorists to ‘give turtles a brake.’ drivers might not notice turtles crossing the road to find nesting areas.
Thousands of turtles are killed each year in New York during nesting seasons.
“Vehicle strikes are a major cause of mortality among turtles and at this time of year, turtles are particularly vulnerable as they seek sandy areas or loose soil in which to lay their eggs," Interim Commissioner Mahar said. "When travelling on roads near rivers and marshy areas, DEC encourages drivers on New York roads to slow down and keep a lookout for turtles in our communities.”
If you see a turtle in the road, you are urged to slow down so as not to hit the turtle. If you are able to safely stop, motorists can move the turtle to the side of the road in the direction it was facing.
People should not pick up turtles by their tails, which could cause injury to the turtle. With the exception of snapping turtles, most turtles can be safely picked up by the sides of their shells. If you come across a snapping turtle, they should be picked up towards the back of the shell, as they have necks that can reach far back and bite.
Here are more tips from the DEC:
- If you see a turtle on the road, please try to avoid hitting it with your car. Do not swerve suddenly or leave your lane of travel, but take care to avoid hitting turtles while driving to "give turtles a brake".
- Be on the lookout for turtles and slow down, especially on roads near rivers and marshy areas.
- If you see a turtle in the road or shoulder and you can safely stop your vehicle and approach the turtle, please consider moving it to the shoulder on the side of the road in the direction it is facing.
- Picking the turtle up by its tail may frighten or injure it. Most turtles, other than snapping turtles, can be picked up by the sides of its shell.
- Use extreme caution when approaching snapping turtles. You could:
- stand watch as she finishes crossing,
- pick her up at the rear of the shell near the tail using both hands, or
- slide a car mat under the turtle to drag her safely across the road. See a video of how to help a snapping turtle cross the road (link leaves DEC website).
If you find an injured turtle on the roadway, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator may be able to help. For more information on how to find a wildlife rehabilitator, click here.
If you do find a turtle in the roadway and you think it would make a good pet... thing again. Native turtles are protected by law and can't be kept without a permit from the DEC. You can learn more about New York's native turtles on DEC's website.
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