I consider it a privilege every time I come across a turtle because these ancient wonders are wild animals who let me stand beside them or watch them or carry them or bury them (because some fool has crushed them to death on the road).
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| From Apr 9, 2011 |
Today I came across a painted turtle on his back in the middle of my traffic lane on a back road that has become a major through-road between the highway and home for way too many selfish slobs who drive way too fast. Helping out this living being was a nice break from a few days of removing turtle remains from this road. I can't stand seeing broken turtles in the road, and I can't stand seeing what's left mashed into the pavement. I hate that the remains of a living being becomes an abstract blob, a nothing.
If you have run over a turtle it's because you are going too fast, you aren't paying attention, or you just don't care. If any one of these three apply to you, you're a callous person who needs some softening up. You need help because you are unkind. The good news: slow down and you've helped yourself. It's that easy.
| From Apr 9, 2011 |
Today this turtle had dug a hole and was attempting to lay her eggs within inches of the road when I came across her. I stood there and watched her crane her neck and retreat as each vehicle went by. Eventually, she abandoned what would have been her nest and returned to the culvert. I hope she tries again farther from the road.
Seeing her and seeing what was almost a nest made me realize how close to the road these things can be. Pulling off to take a phone call or check the GPS or clip some wildflowers can be a very dangerous venture.
I'll be up early tomorrow to see what is going on where she had done her digging. I am thinking we need to mark the roadside the way the folks in North Carolina mark the beaches to let people know where a nest is.
Also, since this is the year of the turtle in Connecticut, I will see if our state's DEP can conjure up a few signs reminding motorists they are driving through a wetland and turtles are crossing.
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| From Apr 9, 2011 |
| From Apr 9, 2011 |
12 Comments
We don't have turtles where I live except for the ones people have as pets then let go because they are irresponsible. Sad.
ReplyDeleteOne problem we have here is with frogs. There are teams of people that have made tunnels under the highways so they can go through. It is such a simple solution.
The fact is, we need these creatures. They may be "low on the food chain" but works it way all the way up. One product I stopped using years ago was dishwasher rinse agent. It actually thins the resistance in water. When that happens small bugs like mosquitoes and water skimming bugs can't land. It may not seem a bug deal but if they can't land small fish, frogs and turtles can't eat. And again it works it's way up. No small fish, frogs and turtles = no larger fish, frogs and turtles = total ecosystems being destroyed.
People need to have so much more respect for the environment. We are killing ourselves.
you have a big job ahead of you...but it's important
ReplyDeletetotally agree with you on all counts.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, Sandy! You do know that I feel exactly the same way!! Thank you for caring so much and for sharing that concern with us! Hopefully, it will help make more people aware. Holding good thoughts for you and the turtles. We rarely see them here, but I am on the lookout!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
You're a Saint Sandy, I agree, there's too many hot heads driving around.
ReplyDeleteHere e have road signs at some known turtle crossings.
ReplyDeleteI admire your dedication to saving turtles.
Road signs might make people aware. I don't have much faith in changing those that just don't care.
ReplyDeleteso very well said!!!!!!!
ReplyDelete(I have 2 sea turtles tattooed with me... special friends)
Those photos are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteMad Kane
oh Sandy..we don´t have turtle where we live cause we live into a forest in Sweden but when I was child in Brazil...and living close to the ocean...I woke up in the midle of night and ran in direction to the sands and searching for turtles....I found many of them....
ReplyDeletegood remembrances of my childhood
nice day
That's just a heart-wrenching sight. They do mark the roads here in Frank's municipality which is along the northern shore of Lake Ontario. I posted photos a few years back. Feel free to use them as example if you contact the powers that be.
ReplyDeletehttp://thesmittenimage.blogspot.com/2008/07/duck-at-rest-and-turtle-nest.html
(toward the end of the post)
breaks a heart.
ReplyDeletewe were just traveling back from Boston to here in Ontario, and hit a small deer. horrors.
it really just jumped out onto the highway from behind trees and there was nothing we could do. so terrible.
I suppose we are grateful we are okay, etc... but still.
Thanks for being here.