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).



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.

From Apr 9, 2011
From Apr 9, 2011