Don’t Get Caught Shell-Shocked In Traffic: Here’s How To Help Turtles Safely Cross The Road
If you’ve ever cruised down a country road, you might have spotted a little guy with a shell right in the middle of the street.
Now, spotting a turtle like this isn’t something you encounter every day, but it’s still a situation that calls for some quick thinking and careful action.
With turtles facing numerous challenges in today’s environment, every single shelled friend counts. So, here’s everything you need to know about why turtles end up on our roads and what you should– and shouldn’t– do when you spot one.
Turtles In Trouble
Turtles have been around for over 200 million years, but they’re now facing a decline that could see many species disappearing.
Loss of habitat, pollution, and climate change are big-ticket items on the list of threats. But there’s also a more immediate danger: roads.
Roads fragment these creatures’ natural habitats, making it more risky for them to do essential things like finding food or a mate.
So, when you see a turtle on the road, it’s not just a random occurrence; it’s a small reflection of a much larger issue.
Why Did The Turtle Cross The Road?
theeraphong – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only
In case you were wondering, turtles aren’t just hitting the road just for the thrill of it. They’re often compelled to travel for reasons like searching for a nesting site, finding a mate, or looking for food.
But, as urban development continues, these journeys become even more dangerous. Roads often cut right through traditional turtle habitats, leaving them no choice but to take a chance and brave the asphalt.
The Right Way To Help A Road-Crossing Turtle
If you ever spot a turtle on the road, it’s a great idea to lend the creature a hand. But safety is most important– so make sure you aren’t putting yourself or others in danger.
You can first come to a slow stop on the side of the road and make sure the street is clear of oncoming traffic. Then, observe the turtle for a moment and identify what direction it’s heading in.
Turtles are actually pretty determined creatures, so they will likely want to keep heading in the same direction.
That’s why it’s best to relocate them in the direction they originally intended to go, or else they might just turn back around and head into the road again.
Now, if the turtle is small, you can gently lift it up by the shell edges and move it across the road in the direction it was facing. Just be sure to never lift up a turtle by its tail, as this can injure them.
When it comes to snapping turtles, beware that these guys can be very feisty (and they have a mean bite). So, you should try to handle these creatures as little as possible.
Instead, you can use a blunt object– like a broomstick– to gently prod the turtle onto a solid, flat surface, such as cardboard, before safely moving the turtle a short distance across the road.
No matter what kind of turtle you are dealing with, also be sure to never automatically put it in water. After all, not all turtles are aquatic, and even those that are might not be heading to the water.
A Note Of Caution
Remember, while your intentions are good, handling a turtle should be treated as a last resort. They’re wild animals and can get stressed with too much human interaction.
Also, never take a turtle home or move it to a “better” location. Turtles have a strong homing instinct and will often just try to return to their original location, often putting themselves in more danger.
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More About:Animals