06/02/2026
Many species of turtles, such as this Painted Turtle are on the move here in New England...it's egg laying time and Mama Turtles are trekking to their nesting grounds. Nest sites, established by their ancestors, can be quite a distance from the ponds in which the Turtles reside. Sometimes the journey can entail crossing busy roadways, so please drive carefully and be vigilant. If you see a Turtle making its way across a road and it's SAFE FOR YOU to do so, follow these directions: If driving, put on your hazard lights and slowly pull over onto the shoulder. Assess the situation. It might be best to just stand guard as the turtle crosses on its own. If the turtle is not moving away from danger, pick it up (as you would a hamburger) and move it across the street in the direction that it was already going. Turtles know where they want to go to nest, so putting them in the direction they are heading will help them get there faster. If the turtle you encounter is a snapping turtle, be particularly careful. They have very long necks and very short tempers. Keep your hands as close to their backside as possible or use a shovel, a heavy piece of cardboard, etc.
Painted Turtle
5/27/26 in Canton, MA
