Newburgh Celebrates World Turtle Day

NEWBURGH – The City of Newburgh is honored to recognize Saturday, May 23 as World Turtle Day. As late May commences the start of turtle nesting season, motorists may see a rise in turtles attempting to cross roadways on their search for sandy areas or loose soil to lay their eggs.

New York State and the City of Newburgh are home to a variety of turtle species. Motorists that encounter a turtle attempting to cross a roadway are encouraged to slow down to avoid a collision which could possibly be fatal for the turtle. If it is safe to stop and exit the vehicle, motorists should consider moving the turtle to other shoulder of the road in the direction the turtle is facing.

Excluding snapping turtles, the best way to pick up most turtles safely is by the sides of their shells while maintaining a firm grip as turtles may kick back attempting to loosen your hold on them.

Dropping a turtle can cause injury, just as picking them up improperly or dragging them by their tail can.

Snapping turtles require unique handling as their long necks give them the ability to snap back, potentially inflicting an injury on someone. They should be picked up by the rear of their shell with both hands, then carefully slid onto something that can be pulled across the road such as a floor mat or towel.

All native turtles are protected by law and cannot be kept without a permit from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). If an injured turtle is found, a wildlife rehabilitator licensed with DEC may be able to help. For more information on protected wildlife in New York State, visit the Department of Environmental Conservation’s website at dec.ny.gov.