Drivers reminded to slow down for turtles
'Turtles are usually slow to move, so they have a tough time safely crossing roads. If you spot a turtle on the road, please consider helping it across but be sure you're in a safe spot to pull over and get out of your car. Human safety comes first,' said VTF&W herpetologist Luke Groff.
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'If you're going to move a turtle off the road, always move it in the direction it was traveling. They know where they're going.'
Female turtles will soon be looking for places to lay their eggs, and they can choose inconvenient or dangerous locations such as gravel parking lots and driveways. Most turtles can be safely picked up and carried, but snapping turtles have a powerful bite, so people should be alert. Snapping turtles are often larger turtles without colorful markings. Instead of using your hands, snappers can be safely lifted with a shovel or pulled across roads on a piece of cardboard.
Anyone interested in learning more about turtle breeds and animal safety can check out the VTF&W website or the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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