May And June: Critical Months For New York Turtles

Did you celebrate May 23rd as World Turtle Day? According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, World Turtle Day was created by the American Tortoise Rescue, designed to celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the world.

Did you know that during May and June, turtles are often spotted on our New York State roadways as they search for sandy areas or loose soils to lay their eggs.

The NYS DEC notes that thousands of turtles are killed each year by unsuspecting drivers when turtles cross roads to find nesting areas, and they are asking New Yorkers to “Give Turtles a Brake.”

Our state is home to a wide range of turtle species and today DEC is calling on New Yorkers to do their part to help protect these long-lived species and ‘Give Turtles a Brake. Vehicle strikes are a major cause of turtle mortality this time of year, so DEC is asking drivers to be cautious, be on the lookout, and slow down, especially on roads near rivers and marshy areas. - New York State Acting Commissioner Lefton

If you see a turtle on the road, slow down to avoid hitting it with your vehicle. The NYS DEC suggests that motorists should consider moving the turtle to the shoulder on the side of the road in the direction it is facing, when safe to do so.

But do not pick up or drag a turtle by its tail. You can, except for a snapping turtle, pick up a turtle securely by the sides of its shell. Snapping turtles need to be picked up by the rear of the shell using both hands or carefully slid onto a mat or blanket and dragged safely across the road, as shown in the video below.

The NYS DEC also cautions against taking a turtle home. Native turtles in New York State are protected by law. A permit is needed to keep a turtle at home. Land turtles (11 species in New York State) are in decline.

For more information about turtles in New York State, visit the New York State DEC website.

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Filed Under: new york state department of environmental conservation