Thursday, June 20, 2013

Why Did The Turtle Cross The Road?

I know…I know… Dumb title and one that is commonly used.  But I just couldn’t resist.  J

One of my co-workers witnessed the horrible demise of a turtle trying to cross the road.  She passed it and turned around to try and help it.  After she got out of the car a truck came by and no more turtle.  She was devastated. 
 
 
Photo from www.silive.com
 

Then yesterday my husband saw a turtle trying to cross the road.  He stopped to help it and was successful.  It turned out to be a pretty good sized snapping turtle who really didn’t appreciate his help.  Of course, as my faithful readers know, this got me to thinking…(look out, she’s thinking again)  What would you do if you saw a turtle trying to cross the road? 

The first thing you should do is make sure it is safe to stop and assist.  If it’s not, call you local animal control or DNR office to let them know.  No matter how much you want to help, your safety comes first.  The DNR recommends that you do nothing because they can be feisty and there is a chance you will be bitten.  Turtles are also known to carry the salmonella bacteria. 
 
 
 

Why is the turtle in the road in the first place?  A couple reasons:  May and June are egg laying season for turtles and females will leave the water to find dry land to lay their eggs.  They have a hereditary area that they like to go to and sometimes they cross the road.  Other reasons are that it is the path of least resistance, the fact that they like to sun themselves on the concrete, or to avoid rushing water in a culvert after too much rain.
 
 
Photo from totallycoolpix.com
 

Whatever the reason, sometimes they will need a little help to avoid being hit.  Most turtles, if you pick them up by the edges of their shell between their front and back legs, will just hide in their shell.  Snapping turtles on the other hand can be downright ornery.  Snapping turtles are heavy and will put up a fight.  If they are too big or too feisty, use a shovel, stick, or broom to shoo them across the road.  Better to be safe rather than sorry.

There are two rules of thought as to which direction to move them.  Most say move them the direction they were traveling, especially if it is a female laying eggs as they know where they want to lay them.  It’s instinct.  Others say take them back the way they came because they will just have to cross the road again to get back to their natural territory.  If they are on their way to lay eggs, then anywhere from 90 to 120 days the babies will be crossing the road to get to the water.
 
 
Photo from ookaboo.com
 

So with this in mind, be on the lookout for turtles crossing the road anytime between May and September.  After all…they just want to get to the other side.

Be Well & Be Happy
Pet~Pourri

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