If you see a turtle on the road in GA you can help — but follow these tips, experts say
As warmer weather hits Georgia, drivers may be seeing more turtles cross the road.
However, it may be a cause of concern for many, especially if you are unsure of what to do: should you hit the brakes, go around it and be on your way or should you stop and try to help the animal cross safely?
Well, if you do have an instinct to help the turtle, we’ve rounded up some expert advice on how to do so, safely. Here’s what to know:
Here’s what to do if you see a turtle crossing the road in GA
Helping a turtle cross the street may not be as easy as you think.
There are several things you should do to ensure your safety, as well as the animal’s safety.
According to Michelle Mastro with Martha Stewart: “If you see a turtle in the road, the first thing to remember is that it’s trying to get somewhere it has probably traveled to many times before, and may not need your help.”
Turtles usually have a great sense of direction and they make paths that can be used for generations, so just because there’s a road there doesn’t mean the animal can’t get through it.
First and foremost, look for oncoming traffic and carefully pull over. Then, you can slowly approach the turtle and stand guard while it tries to cross.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) suggested only helping the turtle cross in the same direction it was already going.
“Moving them to an unfamiliar location can subject them to foreign diseases and parasites that they lack a natural immunity to, so that should be avoided,” PETA experts said.
So, should you pick up the turtle and move it?
Well, you can. If you want to pick up the animal, PETA experts said to “pick them up by grasping them firmly by both sides of the body, in front of their hind legs,” but be careful and don’t drop the turtle.
If you notice the turtle has an injury, you should call a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitation expert.
If you don’t want to pick up the turtle, U.S. Fish & Wildlife experts recommended using a car mat. Once the turtle gets onto the mat, just move it across and let the turtle off.
Of course, there are several things you should not do when helping a turtle cross the road.
Here’s what not to do
According to a Martha Stewart blog, you should not do the following:
- Don’t put your hands near the turtle’s face or it might bite
- Don’t take the turtle home
- Never place the turtle in water
- Don’t walk into busy traffic
- Don’t pick up the turtle by the tail
More tips about wildlife on the road
From 2001 to 2011, animal-related accidents on the road contributed to more than 2,080 fatal crashes nationwide, according to the AAA Exchange.
So, what can you do to ensure your safety and the animals while driving? Here are some tips:
- Scan the road and shoulders ahead of you.
- Use high-beam headlights if there’s no oncoming traffic. Wildlife may be spotted sooner when using high beams. This will give the driver time to slow down, move over or honk the horn to scare the animal away. High beams also help in spotting some animals’ reflective eyes.
- If a collision is unavoidable, apply the brakes firmly and remain in your lane. Swerving to avoid an animal can often cause a more serious crash or result in drivers losing control of vehicles.
- Be extra cautious at dawn and dusk.
Have you ever had to help a turtle cross the street? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com
