Vermont Drivers Alerted to Turtle Crossings During Nesting Season
Biologists from SUNY Potsdam are currently conducting research in St. Lawrence and Jefferson Counties, focusing on the Blanding’s turtle, a New York State threatened species. They are seeking new areas for food, mating, and nesting, particularly as turtle nesting season, which typically lasts from late May to early July, has begun earlier this year due to a mild winter.
Meanwhile, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department has highlighted the risks to turtles during their nesting season, particularly on roads. The department has issued an appeal to the public to assist turtles in safely crossing roads, as many of the turtles killed are mature breeding females, which can have significant effects on local turtle populations. They provide guidance on how to safely move turtles—advising that most turtles can be handled directly, while snapping turtles, which can be aggressive, should be moved with tools like shovels or car floor mats.
In Alabama, the nesting season for sea turtles is also underway. The Alabama Coastal Foundation's Share the Beach program is dedicated to protecting these endangered species, monitoring nests along the state's coastline. They are working to shield nests and hatchlings from dangers, both natural and human-made. Volunteers help ensure that hatchlings reach the water by managing beachfront lighting, which can disorient the turtles; red and amber LED lights are recommended to minimize disruption to the turtles' navigation.
