Turtle Thursday

[ksmith]

Saw what looked like a clod of dirt on the edge of the road on the way to work this morning. Then, as I passed it, I saw it move. It was a small turtle, attempting to cross the 4-lane road. Other cars passed too close to it, with no one slowing down. I figured it would never make it to the other side, so I turned around and went back for it.

By the time I got there, it was in the middle of the far right lane, and cars were passing right over it. I found a place to park and went to retrieve the beastie, who as it turned out really didn’t like the idea of being picked up. Got a good look at a hooked beak/bill/whatever and a nice pink mouth. I carefully got it off the road and onto the grass, then went back to my car to get something to hold it with. Sacrificed a grocery bag to the cause. Dropped it off at my vet’s office because they are on the other side of the road and back onto some woods that might serve as a good dropping-off point.

Looked like a snapping turtle.

Mirrored from Kristine Smith.

Comments

[jhetley.livejournal.com]

The Official Naturalist Doctrine is that you need to be sure that you move them in the direction they are already going. Otherwise, they'll just try again. So you Done Good.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

Good--that's what I figured. There's work going on in the area it was leaving, so it probably wanted away from the commotion. I told the vetfolk the direction it was headed, and mentioned the woods behind their office. That would be the right spot, in the direction the beastie was headed, toward the marshes.

[eglantine-br.livejournal.com]

I once tried to save a snapper the size of a trashcan lid. She was most ungrateful. Husband was no help, he was sitting in the car giggling as I tried to fend her off with a stick. Took ages. But they do need help-- they don't know much about avoiding cars!

I have rescued regular turtles more often. I found one once in Florida trying to cross the road. She was very hot and dry. She sat on daughters lap, and we put a damp cloth on her (turtle, not daughter,) and ran our car air conditioner. Turtle opened her mouth and closed her eyes in total bliss. Fun for us to see.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

I once tried to save a snapper the size of a trashcan lid. She was most ungrateful.

Oy. Mine was only about 6-7 inches across.

Cool about the turtle cooling. I can imagine her face. Dumb question--how could you tell it was a she?

[eglantine-br.livejournal.com]

There is some way to tell by the plastron. (At least that is what my mom always said.) To tell you the truth, I am not sure it was a she. I just somehow felt like she was. I figure I have a 50/50 of being right.

One thing I do know, it was a pretty old turtle! And people are careless about hitting them.

I drove her to a nearby church which had a pond with ducks and frogs and things. It also had a large lawn. And I figured it would be fairly quiet for most of the week.

She (or he) scooted right into the pond, so I guess it was acceptable.

Not like the snapper. I had to herd that one with my stick.

[threeoutside.livejournal.com]

Bless you for being kind to a fellow creature, a reptile, a turtle. I love 'em and it kills me when people - well, I won't go there.

I hope your friend finds bliss in the woodsy marsh. Or marshy woods, whichever.

And that your additional karma points find a happy home among the many you already have. :)

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

Well, I just couldn't leave it.

I hope it enjoys the, well, I think the right term around here is "wetlands." And that it doesn't try to cross the road again.

[threeoutside.livejournal.com]

Well, you did what you could when you saw the opportunity. There ain't no accountin' for critters and what they will do.

[harnessphoto.livejournal.com]

Hooray for good deeds :)