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Eastern Box Turtles

Friday, May 11, 2012

Do You Brake for Turtles?

TAKE POLL: Summer is truly here, as evidenced by the migration of turtles in local spots. Do you try to help these ancient-looking reptiles?

Why did the turtle cross the road? As it turns out, turtles go where they do because of internal urges that drive them. In early summer, their senses encourage them to seek out nesting sites to lay their eggs. Because turtles are reptiles, and therefore cold-blooded, they must wait until warm temperatures allow them the mobility they need to nest. Female turtles are particular about where they lay and bury their eggs, and may travel long distances over land to find a suitable location. Most turtles select well drained, sandy or loose soil to deposit their eggs, and some sources indicate the site usually faces south or southeast—which takes them certain directions—which sometimes involves roads. A turtle trying to cross the road may not be …

Terry L Burleigh

8:52 am on Saturday, May 12, 2012

I stop and move as many as I am able to move. This past week has been a little sad, twice on Hwy 44 between Eureka and Pacific I have spotted a turtle that looked like it was trying to cross the hwy. It worries me because the median in the center is impossible to get over or around, the first one I passed going to Eureka , the second one I was going toward Pacific. I drove to the respective off …   more ›

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