New York Asks Drivers To Give Turtles A Brake This Spring

Why did the turtle cross the road? I don't know. I don't speak turtle. Sorry about that. On a serious note, did you know that 11 species of land turtles are native to New York? And many are sadly in decline.

Speaking of turtles, you will find them nesting in our area during May and June. Many times you may spot them on or near our roadways. Unfortunately, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, thousands of turtles are killed each year as they cross roads in search of nesting areas.

Read More: Summer Roadwork In The Southern Tier

Give Turtles A Brake!

Vehicle strikes are a major cause of turtle mortality this time of year, so DEC is asking drivers to be cautious, be on the lookout, and slow down, especially on roads near rivers and marshy areas. New Yorkers can ‘Give Turtles a Brake’ and do their part to help protect these long-lived species. - New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton 

 

Help Keep New York Turtles Safe

NYS DEC asks motorists to encounter a turtle on the road to please slow down and avoid hitting it. If it is safe to do so, stop, exit your vehicle, and consider moving the turtle to the shoulder on the side of the road in the direction it was facing. BUT, only if it is safe to do so.

Do not pick up or drag turtles by their tails because you can cause an injury. Rather,  pick up the turtle safely by the sides of their shell (except for snapping turtles), by maintaining a secure grip. Turtles may kick to loosen your hold, or cause you to drop the turtle, resulting in an injury. This, along with dropping them, can result in potential injury.

Snapping turtles should be picked up by the rear of the shell using both hands or carefully slid onto a mat or blanket and dragged safely across the road, since they can reach around and give you a bite you won't soon forget. Check out this NYS DEC video of how to help a snapping turtle cross the road.

And finally, the NYS DEC asks that you DO NOT take turtles home. They are protected by law and cannot be kept without a DEC permit for specific purposes and never as pets.

A licensed wildlife rehabilitator may be able to help if an injured turtle is found. Find out more about native turtles in New York State. Visit the NYS DEC's website.