We have all heard the line “why did the chicken cross the road”. Have you ever wondered about why turtles cross the road, or if you should stop and help them in crossing? In late spring and early summer, turtles may be crossing the road searching for mates or nesting sites. Turtles will cross roads on their mission and all too often, many will not make it safely to the other side.
Be careful before deciding to move the animal. It could be injured or could bite, depending on the species. Never pick up the turtle by the tail. Picking up by the tail could dislocate bones in the tail and be very painful. Do not turn the turtle over quickly as it can pull painfully on organs and connecting tissue.
It is safe to assist a turtle in crossing the road by gently lifting it with both hands and placing it on the other side. Always make sure to place it in the direction it was going. If the turtle is put back on the side of the road it was coming from, it will cross the road again. If you are not sure if it is safe to pick the turtle up, use something such as a blunt object or a car mat to help push it across or to scoop under it and move it.
If possible and safe to do so, it may be best to just stand guard and let the turtle cross the road on its own.
Learn more:
Turtles Crossing the Road [Internet]. Available from: https://wildlife.tufts.edu/turtles-crossing-road/#:~:text=In%20late%20spring%20and%20early,turtles%20at%20Tufts%20Wildlife%20Clinic
Why Turtles Cross Roads and How to Help [Internet]. Available from: https://www.oriannesociety.org/faces-of-the-forest/why-turtles-cross-roads-and-how-to-help/?v=400b9db48e62
Handling a Turtle [Internet] Available from: https://www.matts-turtles.org/handling-turtles.html
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