Why do turtles cross the road

If you put the turtle back on the opposite side from where it was heading, it will cross the road again! Even if the turtle is heading away from water, put it in the direction it was trying to go. Turtles have a plan and they stick to the plan. If you think the turtle is a snapping turtle, please read our important information regarding snapping turtles. Some turtles carry the scars of very traumatic injuries to their shell, often caused by impacts from cars on roads.

Photo by Megan Jolly. This meme has proven effective at educating people about the need to help turtles cross roads instead of relocating the animals to a new location. Yet there is hope. The turtle depicted in this image was found with a cracked shell on the side of a road in May and Orianne staff rehabilitated the turtle. This photo was taken moments before she was released back to the wild by the person who brought the turtle to us.

Tags: featured. The Cottonmouth Myth June 2, Photo of the Month: May June 2, The Orianne Society. The ornate box turtle is colorful and harmless.

It can shut itself up in its boxlike shell. Even though adult box turtles are defended by their shells, the eggs and young provide food for many predators. Hatchlings are only about 1 inch long and are especially vulnerable. The ornate box turtle usually has four hind toes. Its high-domed shell is usually brown with yellow lines. Right to Use. Video URL. Audio file. Recent Posts Media. Human health needs to come first.

With that in mind, she said, "If it's completely safe for you and you are unafraid to sensibly move it to the direction it's going -- not where it's been -- try to figure which direction it's going and get it across the road. Despite their reputation, turtles are quick, and all species bite and scratch. And if they are picked up, chances are they will empty the contents of their bladder on you. Knowing this, if you pick one up, carefully lift it along the shell's edge near the middle of its body, as long as it is not a snapper.

Assisting snapping turtles requires bravery and sturdy tools. If it's safe to do so, use a shovel or a rubber floor mat to help prod them across the road. If you have a sturdy branch, you can try to gently push it along but a frightened turtle will either retreat into its shell or feel threatened and try to bite you.

If you aren't prepared or feel uneasy, it's best to put your safety first and get back into your car.