WORCESTER – When you see an adult of one of the 10 species of turtles native to Massachusetts or one of the five native sea turtles, it may be a more rare than many realize.
While adult turtles can live past 80 years old, young turtles and eggs face a variety of predators and a low chance of reaching adulthood, according to MassWildlife Herpetologist Dr. Mike Jones.
With six of the 10 species of native turtles protected protected under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act, losing any adults, especially adult females, can lead to eventual extinction of a population.
As we get later in spring, turtles being are on the move, like many species, are on the move and more likely to be seen crossing roadways.
MassWildlife offers the following tips when finding a turtle in or near a road:
- Be safe: Do not risk getting hurt or causing harm to others by unsafely pulling off the road or trying to dodge traffic;
- Turtles cross for a reason: Do not move a turtle more than 100 yards from where they were found. The turtle is trying to get to habitats or resources it needs and knows;
- Handle with care: Most turtles should be grasped gently along the shell edge near the mid-point of the body;
- A snapping turtle can reach your hands if you lift it by the sides of its shell. If you must move a snapping turtle, use a broom to coax it into a plastic tub or box. Never lift a snapping turtle only by the tail; this can injure their spine.
- Slow down, be observant: Watch for turtles on roadways bordered by wetlands on both sides. These areas are commonly used as crossing points. If you see one turtle crossing, there’s a chance that others will be crossing soon as well.
- Report busy crossing areas: Notify MassWildlife if you see multiple turtles crossing the road or if you see multiple turtles hit by cars. Email [email protected] or contact the Conservation Commission in your city or town.
For more information, see MassWildlife’s guide on helping turtles found here.
Image Credit: Christian Engelstoft, Turtle crossing sign, April 2010, CC BY-SA 3.0
