The Atlantic Wildlife Institute has been crazy with calls in the recent weeks, of sightings of turtles on the move in the region.
Spokesperson Pam Novak says they commonly hear about three species of turtles, snapping turtles, wood turtles and the painted turtles, “Mid-June, this is the height of egg laying season, so the turtles, especially females are on the move right now, looking for a good place to lay eggs. Or it could be the males on the prowl.”
Novak says one of the common issues, is that turtles are being struck by cars. The Institute is caring for one right now, “We are actually caring for one right now, that came from the Gagetown area that is suffering head trauma, and is recovering from that. It is a male and he is weighing in at 14 pounds, ” Novak says. She notes that snapping turtles can be even bigger and heavier than that.
The encounters for turtles, are not always good ones, “It is a common time to see turtles on the move, but they are being hit on the road. I have had several reported that have been injured. We also have heard of people moving the turtles. You need to keep in mind that these are wild turtles, and they can be territorial. If you see one, and think it is out of its element, don’t worry. Just leave the turtle alone. Snapping turtles especially, because they can get pretty aggressive and have a nasty bite.”
If you do see a turtle that you think may have been injured, you can contact the Atlantic Wildlife Institute, or call your local office of Natural Resources.
