04/11/2024
Road mortality is a major threat to turtles. Do you know how to safely help a turtle cross the road? Here are some important things to keep in mind:
1. Always take traffic safety into consideration first.
2. Do your best to identify the species.
● Many small turtle species, including painted turtles, sliders, map turtles, musk turtles, box turtles, and similar small or medium sized native North American turtles should be moved by holding both sides of the shell, like a sandwich, or by placing the turtle in a bucket.
● Some species with long necks, especially common snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) and soft-shelled turtles (genus Apalone), should be moved by holding the back third of their shells, just in front of their rear legs. It is best to use both of your hands (preferably with gloves on as their claws can be painful), or a suitable shovel, bucket, or mat.
● Carrying turtles by their tails can cause spinal damage!
● Desert tortoises should be moved only if essential, as they may urinate in response to handling, losing valuable fluids. Be sure not to tip them.
● Be aware of which species are listed as endangered in your area, as moving them could be a crime. Be sure to only help the turtle cross the road if possible, and not relocate. (Relocation should not be done for any species unless required for the turtle’s safety.)
● Be sure you DO NOT put tortoises or box turtles into water. Gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) and box turtles (Terrapene carolina) are examples of land-dwelling turtles and tortoises which are often found near water, or the ocean. These are not sea turtles! They will drown!
● Not sure what species live in your area? Your state Department of Natural Resources probably has an online guide! Look it up on Google when you have time to spare and learn what animals live where you live.
3. Always carry turtles low to the ground just in case they are dropped. They may be wiggly! Expect turtles to see you as a predator; they are likely to try to claw, bite, and urinate on anyone picking them up.
4. Turtles should be moved in the direction they were headed. They were moving in that direction for a reason. If they get turned around, they are likely to try to cross the road again. If moved somewhere else, the turtle is likely to try to cross every obstacle to get where it intends to go, possibly dying in the process.
5. If you live in an area where finding turtles in the road is common, keeping gloves, a bucket, field herping tools (like a snake hook), towel, shovel, and similar items in your car is a good idea. Pack a turtle crossing safety kit!
6. After helping a turtle cross the road, wash your hands, or use hand sanitizer. Always wash your hands after touching any animal, including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, or amphibians.
Keep these ideas in mind to ensure that you can help turtles safely and responsibly! Share this post to spread the word. Be a turtle friend!
This informative image is used with permission from the Northern Colorado Wildlife Center.
