Turtles in New York State are on the move in the months of May and June, and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation is asking drivers to "give them a brake". Native turtles are looking for sandy areas to lay their eggs this time of year, and many of them will have to cross roads. Each year thousands of turtles are killed as they try to migrate to their nesting areas, and all 11 species of turtles native to New York are declining.
The DEC is asking drivers to avoid hitting turtles, as long as it wouldn't interfere with traffic. They're asked not to swerve or leave their lane of travel, but to be on the lookout for the animals as they try to cross.
If you do see a turtle on the road, the DEC says you can stop and safely move it to the shoulder of the road in the direction it was facing. The department does not, however, recommend approaching snapping turtles.
