Wildlife Weekly

Chances are, you have seen a turtle or a tortoise crossing the road, or stopped in the middle of the street, at some point. If you are lucky, you may even live in an area with signs similar to the one pictured above that are intended to remind drivers to slow down and brake for turtles. But, why do we see turtles and tortoises on the road so often? While the obvious answer may seem like habitat loss as we build roadways that cut through what was once open fields and low-laying wetlands here in Florida, some species of turtles will lay on the warm asphalt on cloudy days, or just after it has rained, as a way to source extra heat. At particular times of year, like during mating and hatchling season, there will be an influx of turtles on the road as they go out and search for mates and juveniles set out to find their own territory. If you are able to stop your car in a safe area (please don't endanger yourself!) and help a turtle across the road, always cross it in the direction it was already heading. Even if it is in a parking lot or an area that seems completely without resources to us, turtles and tortoises know where they want to go, and are extremely stubborn! If you place it back in the opposite direction, it may be safe for now, but will most likely just attempt another crossing in a few minutes. Also, NEVER lift a turtle up by its tail when moving it, as you could damage its spinal cord. Instead, if you find a snapping turtle or softshell turtle, try scooping it up with your car mat or a piece of cardboard, and keeping the head pointing away from you. Unfortunately, many people that hit turtles with their cars do not stop, leaving them to suffer for sometimes days on end. If you find a turtle or tortoise who has been hit by a vehicle or is otherwise injured, you can call us at 352-234-6098. If you are able to, it is best to get the turtle off the road by putting it in a cardboard box, or wrapping it in a towel or sheet until you can get it to help. Sometimes, turtles have cracks in their shells from old injuries that are now healed, but if you are unsure if an injury requires immediate attention or is an old scar, we will gladly answer those questions, too!