Turtle crossing the road? Here's how to safely help critters cross
Turtles are notorious for ambitiously - and slowly - crossing Oklahoma’s roads in early summer, leaving many passing drivers concerned for their safety.
Is there a right way to help the reptiles cross roadways?
Here are tips from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation on how to safely assist turtles attempting to cross a street:
Only move a turtle if traffic is light
The department advises against moving a turtle off the road if traffic is heavy, or if the road doesn't have a shoulder.
When traffic is light enough to assist a turtle, pull off on the side of the road, and turn on your hazard lights.
How to handle a turtle
To avoid dropping the turtle, the department advises picking up the traveling turtle by the middle part of the shell where the top part of the shell meets the bottom part of the shell with a firm grip.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service suggests using a car mat to slide or carry the turtle without touching it.
For snapping turtles, approach carefully. Snapping turtles have long necks and can bite your hands if you grip at the sides of the shell, so instead place your hands closer to the back or use a car mat.
Do not pick up a turtle by the tail, the department said.
Where to place a traveling turtle
Take the reptile to the side of the road in the direction it's heading, the department advises. Otherwise, the turtle might attempt to cross the road again. Then place the turtle as far off the road as possible.
Don't forget to sanitize
According to the department of wildlife, the most common germ spread from turtles is Salmonella, so people handling turtles should wash their hands or use hand sanitizer to avoid an infection.
Share turtle sightings with biologists
The department also asks turtle-helpers to consider sharing their turtle sighting on iNaturalist to get involved in conservation and help biologists learn more about Oklahoma's natural resources.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Can I help a turtle cross the street? Tips for Oklahoma critters
