Friday, October 24, 2014

How did the turtle cross the road? With your help

See the link below for how to hold and transport them.

http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/stories/how-did-the-turtle-cross-the-road-with-your-help

By: Anna Norris
Thu, Apr 17, 2014

Just like any other critter, turtles are just trying to get from point A to point B. Sometimes that means crossing a road — which can be dangerous, affecting turtle populations across the nation. These critters can't hear cars approaching or even horns, so if ever see one attempting to cross the street, the best thing you can do is try to (safely!) help it along.

Regardless of the strategy you choose, it's important to be sure that you are moving the turtle in the direction in which it was already headed; otherwise your help will have been for naught. Unless you stick to their path, stubborn reptiles will likely return to their starting point in another attempt to cross the road. You also shouldn't try to take the turtle to a different destination altogether (including your home), even if it's trying to cross to another place where there isn't a water source. During nesting season, turtles will often venture away from ponds. So, the best thing to do is send it on its merry way down the path of its own choice.

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From a Facebook comment:

I've always read that it's best not to drag a snapping turtle across the road since it can do damage to the underside of it's shell or scratch it's legs/tail. Many people encourage it into a box or onto a piece of clothing, cardboard or car mat and drag that instead.

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