Every year, my backyard turns into a highway…a turtle highway that is! So far, I’ve only seen painted turtles crossing from the brook to the laying grounds of their choice, but I’m sure other types of turtles, such as snapping turtles, also use that path. So, between the months of May and July, I do my best not to hit them with the lawn mower. The good thing is they are pretty fast…for turtles. When I see one with the lawn mower, I make a loop around the house and when I go by them again, they’re usually safely at the edge of my lawn.
Along the same lines, my community was chosen to be the pilot for new Turtle Crossing signs setup by the New Hampshire Fish and Game, which may rollout to all of New Hampshire soon. On the NH Fish and Game Facebook Page, they mentioned that Newmarket was chosen due to the fact that blanding and spotted turtles have been observed in the community. I have to say I think these signs are great! Please remember, if you do see a turtle and want to help them cross the dangerous street, please move them to side of the road they are pointed!
Turtles are so cool. Problem is people are so distracted by texting they might not even ntice he signs let alone the turtles.
ReplyDeleteYou're so lucky to have a turtle highway in your backyard! I've only seen one painted turtle so far this year, nothing else. Last year I helped a large snapping turtle cross the road - it wasn't too happy about the help.
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