MID-HUDSON – It’s that time of the year when native turtles are on the move seeking sandy areas or loose soil to lay their eggs.
The State Department of Environmental Conservation reports thousands of turtles being killed each year when struck by vehicles as they migrate to their nesting areas.
DEC officials note: “If you see a turtle, give it a ‘brake!’ Slow down to avoid hitting it with your car. A turtle’s shell provides good protection from natural predators but it can’t protect the animal from being struck by a vehicle.”
DEC officials also suggest that “If you can safely stop your vehicle, consider moving the animal to the shoulder on the side of the road in the direction it was facing. Never pick a turtle up by the tail. Most turtles can be picked up by the sides of their shell. Snapping turtles have a strong bite so if a motorist attempts to assist a snapping turtle pick it up by the rear of the shell near its tail using both hands or slide a car mat under the turtle and drag it safely across the road.”
The late Judy McDermott of Putnam Lake rescued as many as a dozen turtles over the years that were on the verge of being crushed by passing vehicles.
The DEC additionally reminded the public to never take a turtle home since “all native turtles are protected by law and cannot be kept without a permit.”
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