Don't Let Turtles Become Road Kill!

[Guest guest]

Don't Let Turtles Become Road Kill!

 

Every year countless numbers of turtles are killed on roads and

highways. To worsen matters almost all of these road mortalities are

female turtles on the way to lay their eggs. This means not only are

legions of female turtles being killed, but her unborn offspring as

well! Turtles are long-lived animals, that take many years to reach

sexual maturity. This means that populations cannot not recover

quickly if they suffer a large loss. Road mortality is a huge loss

for turtles, and since it kills the next generations of turtles in

the process it can lead to many local populations of turtles being

exterminated. Many people will swerve to avoid turtles on roads, but

this does not mean the next person will not run the turtle over. In

many cases people will purposely hit the the turtles! If you do see

a turtle on the road please move it across in the direction its

going. It is important to move all turtles with two hands, by

grabbing the very back of the shell, NOT THE TAIL! This will ensure

both you and the turtle will not be harmed. For private land owners,

who have properties adjacent to roads where there is a high level of

turtle activity, turtle crossing signs can be useful. They will let

people know to be on the watch for turtles.

 

Turtle Crossing Signs Can be purchased here:

http://www.krittersinthemailbox.com/animals/turtles/sign.htm

 

I am in not way affiliated with krittersinthemailbox.com. I am only

suggesting useful resources.

 

You can also find a free turtle crossing graphic and additional

press release that can be used and distributed here:

 

http://www.carcnet.ca/english/reptiles/issues/rconserv2.htm