New York DEC urges motorists to give turtles a “brake” during spring nesting season

It is turtle nesting season here in the Northeast and the New York State DEC has issued their annual reminder for motorists to be extra alert for turtles along the roadway and to give them a “brake.”

DEC officials say this is the time of year where turtles are often times spotted along sandy edges of the road, where they lay their eggs.

If it is safe to do so, drivers are encouraged to pull over and consider moving a turtle across the road in the same direction it was facing.

Other than Snapping Turtles, several turtle species can be safely picked up by the sides of their shells. Snapping Turtles, however, require a different handling approach.

They have long necks that can snap back and inflict a strong bite if held by the sides. Instead, snapping turtles should 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.

DEC reminds people not to take turtles home. All native turtles are protected by law and cannot be kept without a DEC permit for specific purposes and never as pets.

Most of the 11 species of land turtles that are native to New York are in decline.

It takes many years for a turtle to reach maturity. Losing even one mature female can have a negative impact on a local population.

NYS DEC image.