Be on alert for turtles crossing the road: Our native turtles are on the move in May and June seeking sandy areas or loose soil to lay their eggs. In New York, thousands of turtles are killed each year when they are struck by vehicles as they migrate to their nesting areas.

What you can do to help:

• If you see a turtle on the road, please give turtles “a brake”. Slow down to avoid hitting it with your car.
• If you can safely stop your vehicle, please consider moving it to the shoulder on the side of the road in the direction it was facing.
• Picking the turtle up by its tail may frighten or injure it. You can pick up most turtles by the sides of the shell.
• Use caution when moving snapping turtles; either pick her up at the rear of the shell near the tail using two hands, or slide a car mat under the turtle to drag her across the road.
• Please do not take turtles home. All native turtles are protected by law and cannot be kept without a permit. All 11 species of land turtles that are native to New York are declining.

Note to anglers: Here are some tips for what to do if you snag a turtle while fishing.