The 60 seconds that it typically takes for a snapping turtle to cross the street are often risky and death-defying. Thanks to a group of kindhearted volunteers in Blauvelt, New York, that journey is now much safer for turtles and their babies.
Turtles leave their typical wetland habitat to seek a place to lay eggs, which requires them to cross the busy Rockland County, NY highway. The turtles make this voyage twice annually, during which time volunteers clad in brightly-colored vests remain on standby and stop traffic as necessary. To encourage the turtles to remain on the “safe” side of the road, a fence and nesting mounds were built.
Once hatched, baby turtles are no bigger than a half-dollar, making them vulnerable to predators such as raccoons and birds. Due to their size, they’re also difficult to spot while crossing the road. Thankfully, that’s when the volunteers step in and ensure their safe crossing.
According to the state Department of Environmental Conservation, the snapping turtle population is declining, which means it’s more important than ever to take the necessary steps to preserve this fascinating species. Thank you to the selfless volunteers who dedicate their spare time to helping these turtles!
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A big thank you to these volunteers!
To the lovely volunteers and everyone who is commenting here, thank you for being so amazing.
A big thank you to these volunteers, yes!
I DO THE SAME THING…ANYTIME I SEE A TURTLE ON THE ROAD, I MOVE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THAT THE TURTLE WAS HEADING. WE CAN ALL DO THE SAME TO HELP SAVE THEM.
Phyl..you’re awesome!! Wish everyone was like you!
Please help keep these animals safe
God bless those of you who show nothing but kindness to all helpless animals … let’s all be their voice!
I TOTALLY AGREE.
Bless you wonderful volunteers who stop the traffic for the turtles. Good on ya.
Beautiful Turtles. .. Beautiful people..thank you from across the pond
This is great. In New England I do not see that. I volunteer to cross the turtle myself every time I see one in danger in the road. I put my flashers on and stop my car right where I see it so no one will kill it before I can reach the poor animal on the road. Anybody else doing this for turtles in New Hampshire & Massachusetts?
Jo..yes I do it just on my own as you do. Thanks so much for being so caring! I know the article says “60 seconds” but in my experience it takes them MUCH longer to cross. I’m not sure where they’re getting 60 seconds from. I stop all the time. Unfortunately I’m usually met with angry people honking their horns, won’t stop & have even gone around me. If it’s a four lane road..even worse (and takes longer). You’ve probably seen them on highways also as I have. Same problem with geese, ducks, etc trying to cross. People just don’t care. I asked below for someone to please reply about this group to see if there was a way to contact them about doing this officially in other states or if it exists in other areas. But the authors etc of these articles never reply..unfortunately. Thanks again for being so wonderful & caring!
Rachael, I actually pick up the poor thing (can be as heavy as 10 pounds) and carry it myself across the street. I never saw angry people when waiting. In the end they give me a thumbs up. It is important to know that you should never change the direction a turtle is going, But I did meet angry ones when I was saving a puppy from the road. Eh who cares I just do what is good for nature and animals.
Jo..me too! Sometimes they get scared and won’t move & you have to. And I’ve learned the hard way to make sure my hands are far back away from their mouths..LOL! Even non snapping turtles can really latch on! I’m with you..I could care less what people say or think..everyone’s in such a rush. Let the poor animals cross! Angry people while you’re saving a puppy..unbelievable. And yes..that’s a very important tip for everyone..making sure you put the turtle in the direction they’re going. Thank you for posting that!!
I was so touched when I saw this such an important mission Thank You to the beautiful hearts of these volunteers
who understand the importance helping these very vulnerable turtles Every living and breathing animal in our world has a purpose I would volunteer if I were there Thank you and Thank You
Thank you !
Thank you ! Thank you for caring that the turtles will safely cross the road.
beautiful, kind hearted people! these precious turtles now have protection crossing the road!!! A worthy cause for sure!
Thank you for doing that for them. You are all kind souls
Beautiful — great decision — someone’s looking out for the turtles
The Crossing Guards are a wonderful idea. Turtles have been abused and killed unnessarily for years. I hate to see them killed along the roadside.
Thank you for giving the turtles a chance for life.
bless the volunteers who are protecting the turtles crossing the road to lay their eggs.
I would love to see this rescue. It would make me laugh all day.
These people are wonderful..! Is there a way to contact them about doing this in other states? And how to determine locations etc? I know you never reply to comments..but really hope you do this time..???
Thank you so much for helping these beautiful turtles for crossing you are so wonderful people I will always rember. Yours God Bless Yous
How very kind of these volunteers they deserve a big round of applause. I’m impressed by their thoughtfulness!!
Aww just beautiful. A big heartfelt THANKS to the turtle crossing attendants.