Keep turtles moving in same direction

This day is dedicated to both turtles and tortoises.

Few animals more beloved by humanity than the turtle. These shelled creatures can be found in virtually all corners of the globe and have found their way into parables, mythology and all forms of popular media.

They belong to the same family, but turtles spend their time near or in the water and tortoises are primarily land creatures.

Both turtles and tortoises play tremendous roles in their respective ecosystems. Whether by digging holes that are habitable for other creatures or cleaning up dead fish from beaches, there are more than enough reasons to ensure their protection.

Turtles are on the move once the weather gets warm—but sometimes, a road or a highway stands between them and their destination.

Speeding traffic and slow-moving turtles don’t mix, and many turtles are severely injured or killed on roads every year.

The Eastern box turtle and other turtles live their entire lives within roughly in a one mile radius of the place they were born. If removed from their home, they typically will spend the rest of their lives trying to get back.

If you find a turtle in the road, make sure you move it to the side of the road in the direction it was headed. Otherwise, it will just keep trying to cross the road again. Many turtles crossing roads are egg-laden females looking for appropriate nesting sites.

Don’t relocate a turtle to a “better place.” Their survival depends on leaving them in their home territories.

Large snapping turtles have long necks and can bite hard, so instead of picking them up, gently push them from behind to safety with a blunt object. Don’t use anything sharp that could cause injury.

Don’t keep wild turtles as pets. If you truly desire a pet reptile and can make all of the commitments necessary to keeping a healthy, happy turtle, please look into adopting.

Watch out for turtles and other wildlife when mowing lawns and doing other yard work.

If you’re in a grassy area and notice turtles heading toward a road, take action before it’s too late, but, again, keep them moving in the same direction that they were headed and don’t relocate turtles to new areas.

World Turtle Day was founded by the American Tortoise Rescue, a non-profit organization committed to the protection of all turtles and tortoise alike.

In 2002, the organization announced World Turtle Day to fall on May 23 annually.