IT'S TURTLE SEASON 2025! GIVE THEM A BRAKE

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IT'S TURTLE SEASON (Click on the photo to see one from The Duck Pond enjoying a bit of sunshine on the remnants of an old tree stump.)

And now a word from the NYSDEC: Motorists are Encouraged to Give Turtles ‘A Brake’

The months of May and June mark the start of fair weather and with it, the emergence of New York’s turtle species! They are migrating to habitat for basking, foraging, and nesting. Female turtles are seeking nesting areas to lay their eggs and may need to risk crossing roads to get to these habitats. Unfortunately, thousands of turtles are killed each year when struck by vehicles in New York State. Please never remove a turtle from the wild to ‘rescue’ it or take it to an area with fewer roads. Turtles are familiar with the landscape and may try to return, and risk crossing more roads. Removing even one adult female turtle from the wild can hurt local populations.

Here are some tips to help turtles this nesting season:If possible, reduce traveling speed and stay vigilant around ponds, wetlands, or other turtle crossing hot spots—where there may be turtle crossing signs.

Stop only if you can safely do so, signal properly when pulling over, and park entirely off the road.

Do not pick turtles up by their tails. Most turtles, other than snapping turtles, can be picked up safely by the sides of their shell. Use a secure grip, as turtles may kick at your hands to loosen your hold. Dropping a turtle can damage their shell and developing embryos within females. Move the turtle off the road in the direction it is facing.

What if it's a snapping turtle?

Snapping turtles have an extremely muscular jaw and long necks that can ‘snap’ or extend backwards over the shell to inflict a defensive bite. (*Safety note*: snapping turtles can spin quickly and kick vigorously when gripped and lifted – use appropriate caution.)

Using thick gloves, use both hands to grip it by the rear of the shell near the tail and drag the turtle onto a mat or blanket and then safely across the road.

A licensed wildlife rehabilitator may be able to help if an injured turtle is found.

Leave turtles in the wild—do not take them home as pets. All amphibians and reptiles native to New York are protected by New York State Environmental Conservation Law.

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