Home > Snellville.Talk > Archives > 2008 > April > 28 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USDo you brake for snapping turtles?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Our mission on Sunday was to travel to Columbus, pick up my 83-year-old mom and then drive her to north Alabama to spend time with her newest great-grandchild.
I was driving her green Mercury Grand Marquis, traveling north on U.S. 280, a four-lane highway. My husband was following in our car so we could return to Gwinnett County Sunday night.
Just over a rise in the road near Harpersville, Ala., I saw a turtle - a BIG turtle. He was plodding across the first of two northbound lanes.
“Oh no! Someone’s going to hit him,” I said as I passed and then checked out the rear-view mirror.
“Should I stop? Should I go back? Where could I pull off? Was it too dangerous? Should I keep going?”
My thoughts raced, unlike the turtle, which miraculously had just been missed by a large pickup.
With my mother’s encouragement, I turned back at the next median break and again saw the turtle, with its moss-covered shell. He had reversed directions and was back in the median but almost ready to cross the two southbound lanes.
There was nowhere to safely pull off the side of the road — the emergency lanes were quite stingy.
I turned the car around again at the next median break, steered it off the road into the median and got out. Immediately I knew I had a job ahead. This was no little turtle that could easily be picked up and deposited across the road. This was a snapping turtle, more than a foot long, almost that wide, and he was glaring at me.
I pulled off my jacket and tried to use it to grab the turtle from the rear. It lunged; its mouth snapped, I screamed and let it go.
Luckily, my husband, who had seen me turn back and is familiar with my antics, had circled back and parked behind where my mother sat watching with interest. He got out and, using a pillowcase, tried to grab the critter. The turtle liked my husband no better than me, lunging and snapping, even hissing.
Some cars slowed, and one stopped, the driver marveling at the size of the creature.
“He’s a monster,” he said. “Never seen anything like him.”
Other cars whizzed by.
Finally, my husband was able to get a grip from behind and carried the hefty, unhappy turtle across the southbound lanes. He had to contend with claws on the reptile’s spinning hind legs, but he maneuvered the creature way down a steep incline.
We choose to think that the turtle had had enough of the highway and being manhandled and didn’t repeat his stunt. We choose to think he’s back and happy in turtledom.
We know what we did was not smart. Our bodies or our cars (including the one in which my mom waited, thoroughly entertained) could have been hit - even though they were off the roadway. Other drivers could have been distracted.
On the other hand, none of that happened, and we (hopefully) were able to help.
What do you do when you see a creature in distress on the highway?
Permalink | Comments (35) | Post your comment | Categories: Susan Gast
Comments
By Mark
April 28, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
I would have stopped and shot it. Turtle meat is to die for!
By Sandy_G
April 28, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Wow, you’re brave. A good sized snapping turtle can remove a finger or toe with one bite! Hat’s off to you for saving this animal, but I personally would not have put my life or my husband’s life in jeopardy to save a wild animal. When I was learning to drive, my uncle told me that if an animal ever ventured into the path of my car on a highway or interstate, to maintain my direction. take my foot off the gas and hit it if necessary rather than slamming on the brakes and/or trying to swerve at highway speed. He said, “Human life is more important than that of an animal.” Your chances of being maimed or killed or unintentionally veering into oncoming traffic and maiming or killing someone else go up dramatically if you lose control of your vehicle. You could miss the animal, but then crash into a tree or an oncoming vehicle.
Now, an animal on the side of the road, such as a dog or cat that has been injured, I’d stop and try to help if I could pull well off the roadway to assist. A wild animal? I’d have to call the highway patrol or a professional such as the one at this link http://www.catchitwild.com/catchitwildwildliferemoval_002.htm. They know how to catch and release the animals without hurting them or being hurt themselves.
By fer
April 28, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
Thank you for being so kind. But do be careful — of both the turtle (it’s true that snapping turtles can snap a finger) AND the traffic!
By Mattie
April 28, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this
I would, and I have. I stopped on a road in Florida when a large snapper was trying to cross. I quickly realized I had no experience in handling one, and wasn’t sure how to safely grab it. Fortunately, a man stopped also, and told me he would grab it. My part of the effort to save it merely required me to put my emergency flashers on and block the lane for him, and even that scared me a bit. Cars were whizzing by and I was afraid one might rear end me.
By Don
April 28, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
I thought I was the only one that did that sort of stuff. Saved a young snapping turtle a couple weeks ago and today a king snake about to start across a busy road. I’ve gotten quite adapt at spotting them.
By Diana
April 28, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
I believe I’ve seen the proper way to transport a snapper. When I stopped for one at the foot of my driveway, two neighbor boys ran down with a large, stout (approx. 2” diameter) pole. With one boy on each end of the pole, they held it right in front of the snapper, who, logically enough, snapped at it! Once his jaws were firmly engaged, the boys picked up the stick with the turtle dangling from it and carried him to safety!
By Katie
April 29, 2008 5:54 AM | Link to this
I brake for all animals crossing roads. They’re just trying to make a living, just like everyone else. They lack the ability to learn to watch for moving vehicles so I think it’s our responsibility to help them out if we can.
Oh, I also brake for invisible animals. Keeps the tail gaters in check….
By Bob
April 29, 2008 6:46 AM | Link to this
I have made turtle rescue an avocaton - picked up one snapping turtle crossing a side street in Snellville, and more tortoises in and around the city. Guess it’s just part of the Scout ethos.
By joyce
April 29, 2008 7:03 AM | Link to this
I remember years ago on Beaver Ruin Rd, near Freeman’s lake, the traffic was stopped so a big turtle could cross the road.
It was amazing. I have seen turtles around our year, actually is a land turtle called a tortise?
By robo
April 29, 2008 7:18 AM | Link to this
Here is a very simple solution from a committed turtle/tortise rescuer.
Snapping turtle in road: 1. Check traffic, block if possible 2. Get snapping turtle’s attention from the front to stop/delay its forward progress. A stick moved in front of them works fine for those who lack confidence when staring down a pi$$ed off, 30+ lb snapper. 3. While keeping an eye on the turtle, go behind it, grab its large tail, and pick it up. Keep it away from your body. 4. It won’t like this at all, because it will be powerless to bite your butt. It will likely hiss and have its mouth open, ready for action. 5. Gently, lay it down pointed towards the water that it was trying migrate towards. It was either run out of its own water by a bigger turtle or has outgrown the food supply available, so it has to move.
Snapping turtles might stay in the same creek, pond, or river for decades without moving. They are supremely adapted ambush hunters, even equipped with a little lure in their mouth.
I have rescued a few like this, and it is easier than it sounds. Another little fact: The presence of snapping turtles indicate a pretty clean water source, because they won’t tolerate anything else, kind of like trout.
By Crikey
April 29, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this
Good for you Susan. And as for Mark, it’s hardly likely that if put to the test, you would “die for” anything.
By One Man's View
April 29, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
When an animal appears on or near the road, often split second decisions have to be made by a driver. It’s not always possible to save an animal. I don’t think causing injury or worse to yourself or to others justifies taking abrupt or unpredictable actions.
However, the biggest factor in not running over animals in the road is just overall responsible driving. I am continually amazed at the speeds at which poeple drive the roads of Gwinnett and then the failure to slow when something unusual appears, be it human or animal. There are a lot more options available at 40 mph versus 60 mph. But then one would actually have to care. Apparently many just don’t have it.
By Mark
April 29, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
Crikey
You obviously never have eaten turtle meat. Here’s how to clean one:
Catch said turtle by using a large pole for it to clamp onto. Now you have control because they won’t let go. Pull the stick outward to expose as much neck as possible. Using a sharp knife, cut it’s head off. Nail all four feet to a tree upside down.(to drain as much blood as possible.) Then simply cut it’s shell off, coat it with bbq sauce, and cook over an charcoal fire at about 375 degrees until meat is firm. Yum!
By Gandalf, the Grey
April 30, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
Your actions are illegal and highly irresponsible! Stopping on a highway for anything but an emergency is illegal. You placed your life; and far more importantly, the lives of others in jeopardy. You should be ticketed for you carelessness!
By Gandalf, the Grey
April 30, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
What foolish thoughts were going through your mind when you decided to stop? Animals are just as important as people? 4 legs good, 2 legs bad? Poor, cute little turtle…? Your husband must be either a saint or a moron to put up with this kind of behavior.
This, and so much more is why when the AJC man in Kroger says “You get the paper delivered at home?”, I say “not that paper”. Immediately they reply, “too liberal?” I shake my head and go get my groceries.
By Gandalf, the Grey
April 30, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
Katie, Wild animals don’t make a living! They kill or they “be” killed. It’s the law of the wild. They don’t feel pity or know mercy. Don’t attempt to “humanize” them.
Mark has the best plan, but that would still involve placing innocent HUMAN lives in danger.
By Gandalf, the Grey
April 30, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
Mark, cooking it that fast will ruin the meet, slow down the process, use indirect heat and use some hickory chips to add flavor. 300 degrees is plenty hot.
By Mark
April 30, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
Gandalf, the Grey
I do cook them using indirect heat. I also use Jack Daniel’s wood chips. I’ve always had good results @350 degrees, tho next time I will kick it down to 300. Ever make turtle stew? I load it up with all kinds of goodies, and it rocks!
By Tim
April 30, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
Hmmm… Claims to be the intelligent one because he doesn’t endanger other lives trying to rescue the turtle, but still eats the “meet”. So, Gandalf, do you eat Road Kill turtle “meet”?
By Mark
April 30, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Tim
FYI - You can find turtles in other places besides the middle of the road. Your post was unnecessary. See your way out.
By shaggy
April 30, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Mark either is Gandalf the Grey, or Mark wants to roll in the sheets with Gandalf the Grey.
They both sound gay to me. When they/he talk about “turtles”, we all know they/he means boys.
By Mark
April 30, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
shaggy
You may not recognize your mother when she gets home. I shaved her back…
By Mark
May 1, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
marksgaylovergandalf
I always discard the turtle’s tail….
By Gandalf, the Grey
May 1, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
Mark, When I was growing up, rural churches had turtle soup for sale on certain Sundays. It was so good I don’t even try to match it.
No, I don’t eat road kill. I hunt my turtles.
Tim, I want to thank you for pointing out my misspelling of the word meat. You are so very clever!
Shaggy, are you homophobic? Can’t gays hunt too? Incidentally, I am not, but you sure sound like you have a problem with homosexuality. They say that those that are homophobic generally “smoke the bat”.
By Steve
May 26, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this
I’ve stopped for more turtles than I can remember; a lot I’ve saved - some I haven’t. My wife always tells me that I’m going to get hit running out in the road after one and the big snapper in Anniston on Saturday didn’t appreciate my help! I just hate to see something so big and beautiful get hurt or killed.
By kelly
May 27, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
I just googled how to safely save a snapping turtle b/c just yesterday I grabbed one as he stepped out on a busy high… didn’t really realize he was a snapper until I scooped him and was sprinting back across to the pond I assumed he came from while he hissed and lunged… then emitted what I’ve convinced myself was JUST pond water on me?! Luckily the traffic had just stopped at a light and I could safely park my car with my dog in it on the side of the road. I definitely wish I had known what he was before I grabbed him so I could’ve “held” him the right way… I lucked out and grabbed him/her from the sides in front of the back legs… but still far enough from his/her mouth. Or at least that’s what I tell myself. Glad there are other crazies like me jumping out to save these darn things… I need to quit driving… it’s just too stressful!
By kelly
May 27, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
… on a busy highWAY… (typo— sorry!)
By fk
May 28, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
We just returned from the FL coast, visited my husband’s sister and brother-in-law. He was the eco-trail expert and educated us about turtles and what the direction of the light means to them. Houses along the beach get fined if they have their outside lights on…do not want the turtles to follow that light at night, but the light of the moon, over the ocean. Not sure if I have it all exactly correct…was enjoying the merlot along with the lesson. Turtle nests were marked all along the private beach. It was really an interesting topic of conversation, only wish the weather was more cooperative so that we could’ve seen the turtles swim out at night. Unfortunately, we we passed a large turtle on the roadside…the size of a trash can cover…that had been run over. Sad.
By Ann
June 2, 2008 1:32 AM | Link to this
If someone would have hit the turtle with their car, I guess there could have been some damage underneath. Maybe instead, the non existant driver swerved to miss the turtle, and crashed head on into a family of 6…who knows. Maybe this huge turtle you helped is related to the one that has lived in our lake for at least the last 5 years. It eats all the baby ducks. Our mallard numbers have dropped although they don’t migrate. We corn feed them daily, and the climate is mild enough. It’s something when you’re watching a hen with her brand new babies out on a swim, then you see the head come up, then back under, then one baby will just vanish, leaveing nothing but rings in the disturbed water. It’s something… When my son was 18 months, we were in the backyard. I look up and see him heading right for another huge snapper.(yes, the size of a big, plastic trash can lid). Our neighbor shot it in the head with his shotgun, it took 2 shots…WITH A SHOTGUN! I still have panic dreams about that turtle. I say…do what ya gotta do. I’ve relocated many turtles just before, and during hatch time. The big snappers have another outcome. After reading the previous comments, I’m in the mood for a bowl of soup, and some hot gay porn. Thanks.
By LGL
June 6, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
You may have a snapping turtle that occasionally (and quite naturally) feeds on mallard chicks, however, I doubt it’s depleting your entire mallard population. Snappers are native animals that have lived harmoniously in aquatic environments for over 200 million years. It’s more likely, you’re losing ducks to loss of quality nesting space - non-native birds such as Canada geese and Mute swans agressively chase these smaller, more shy ducks away — or habitat loss due to development. If you continue helping to decimate struggling native turtle populations you’ll find yourself with a green slimy swamp full of duck crap.
By lgl
June 6, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
Also — turtles have a very slow nervous system — I’m sure one gunshot wound would’ve caused enough damage and suffering to make any size turtle pay for his existence in your pond. Whatever movement you saw after one shot was probably reflex.
By ami
June 9, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
I was just searching for How to Safely help a snapping turtle across the road. I encountered one in the middle of the road bringing my daughter to school today. We stopped and pulled over(it’s a NH back road but well traveled).I never had to move one and was trying to get my mop handle out of the van to gently nudge him to the side when another passerby stopped and she did not hesitate to pick it up and move him to the side of the road that he was heading to. It did snap at her . She said she had seen 2 dead in the road in the past few days and had to help it. I think it is the least we can do for these creatures. They were here before us. I also think it is our responsibility to teach our children compasssion and respect for wildlife. Just my opinion! I also think I’ll have some good Karma coming my way.
By William Berube
June 13, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
I have been relocating large snappers 30+ lbs for the last five years or so. They do in fact feed on full grown wild geese and ducks. I have been taking care of one goose who lost a leg two years ago to one of these turtles. I saw one pull a large canada goose under and and proceed to feed on it about 3 years ago.
Picking such large tutles up by their tales can injure the animals. The best method I’ve found is to put on a pair of work gloves and grab their shell between the front and rear legs. The work gloves are a must because they will try to dislodge your hands by using their claws. Without the gloves, it’s either drop the turtle or endure the claws and strenght of the animal.
I applaud the initial poster for caring enough about the well being of these creatures… but it is true that your welfare should be the first consideration.
Good luck!!!
By Brian H.
June 24, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
The only right way to pick up a snapping turtle is by sliding one hand underneath it from the rear, with the other hand on top of the shell, and lift it horizontally. If you can’t do that, don’t do anything. Picking it up by the tail or by the mouth with a stick can easily damage its neck or spine, leaving it crippled where you put it down. Picking it up by the sides of the shell places your hands within reach of the mouth and claws, which can injure the person or force the person to drop the turtle, injuring the turtle. Dragging it by the mouth or tail will scrape its underside, leading to possibly fatal infection. When humans try to help, they usually just interfere. The best possible action people can take is drive safely and don’t run over them — it’s not that hard. Good luck to turtles and turtle fans!
By Candy
November 25, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
Thank you for helping this unwilling reptile safely off the highway. They are truly majestic creatures and monsters in every sense but beautiful. Do I sound like a proud Mom? Oh yes I have a year old Snapper who as yet doesn’t know he’s supposed to be aggressive. Lets hope he stays that way. ;-)