Helping Reptile Friends Cross the Road

Did you know that May 23 is World Turtle Day? It’s all about raising awareness for turtles and encouraging people to help them survive. Participating can be as simple as helping a turtle cross the road.

Most turtles begin to move as the weather warms. This may be for mating, nesting or many other reasons. Of course, turtles move much slower than cars (and don’t understand human traffic laws), which makes crossing the road incredibly dangerous. To celebrate and protect all of the turtles out there, here are some tips for safely helping them reach their destination!

• Safety First
  If you see a turtle on the road, remember to use the correct signals when pulling over. Keep your flashers on to warn oncoming vehicles and always check your surroundings.
• Moving the Turtle
  If the turtle is moving at a decent pace, you may be able to stand nearby and watch it cross. If the turtle is stagnant (or if you are uncomfortable touching the turtle), you may use a blunt object to help push it. Make sure the object isn’t sharp, and be gentle! This will be your best option for moving a snapping turtle, they may bite if you use your hands.
• Picking up the Turtle
  Most turtles will hide in their shells if they are frightened, which makes it easier for you to pick them up. Place both of your hands behind the front legs and towards the back legs. The turtle may try to kick, so don’t hold it up high – you don’t want to drop it! Also, it’s very important to never pick up a turtle by the tail, as this can severely injure them.
• Car Mat
  Another option for moving the turtles is using a car mat. This works best for[…]

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