The New York Department of Environmental Conservation is reminding drivers in New York State to look out for turtles on roadways. During the month of May and June turtles begin to nest and are mostly likely to be on roadways.
Each year thousands of turtles are killed on New York roadways and drivers are being encouraged to slow down to avoid hitting the little shelled creatures.
“While a turtle’s shell provides protection from predators, it does not protect against being struck by vehicles while crossing roadways,” Commissioner Seggos said. “Vehicle strikes are a major cause of mortality among turtles and New York’s native turtles are more susceptible at this time of year as they seek sandy areas or loose soil in which to lay their eggs. Especially in these coming weeks, DEC urges New York drivers to be on the lookout for turtles and slow down, particularly on roads near rivers and marshy areas.”
