Slow Down for Shells

Beth Sheppard
Aug 12
2 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Northern Red-bellied Cooter PC: Frank Deuter

Curious about the lizards, snakes, turtles and toads this summer? Who have you discovered during this summer’s wooded ramblings?

When our LSLT staff come across little critters it opens up a plethora of questions and online searches to identify and share the treasure. While some may approach with trepidation, many of us revel in a moment to appreciate nature up close. The key is to avoid handling a reptile or amphibian unless necessary. With smartphone technology we can level up our citizen science with a quick photo and upload into iNaturalist (https://www.inaturalist.org) for more data.

If you encounter a turtle or amphibian crossing the road follow these basic steps:

First, ensure your own vehicle is safely off the road, use your signals and turn on your hazards if there isn’t a safe shoulder to park on.
Move the animal in the direction it was heading. If possible let the critter complete its crossing without having to be handled
Assist the turtle by holding it on the sides of the shell body unless it is a snapping turtle. Never try to hold a snapping turtle by the sides, but use a car mat or other item to move it along.
Avoid picking up a turtle by the tail.
Report any injured animal to a local wildlife agent.
Do not take the animal with you.

Turtle Crossing Tally with Anderson Spratt PC: Beth Sheppard

There are simple ways to protect our lesser known species found around the shore. Anderson Spratt, Soil Conservationist for Worcester and Somerset Counties is an advocate. She says “I love turtles, I don’t know why. They are like a walking rock which is pretty cool.” In her spare time traversing the back roads of the lower shore she keeps a tally of turtle crossings for each year. Unfortunately she has observed the death of many Diamondback terrapins on the Chincoteague Road near Wallop’s Island, remarking, “I think there should be a law to have people help move turtles. There are no caution signs on this section of highway. We should do more to help them across this stretch of habitat, maybe we should build a bridge so they can cross safely below. Turtles don’t use bridges, humans do.” This Chincoteague causeway is a hot spot for this vulnerable species.

Read this article from Maryland Coastal Bays to learn more about the Northern Diamondback Terrapin and their nesting habitat. https://mdcoastalbays.org/the-programs/outreach/terrapin-nesting-sanctuary/

Maryland is home to 19 native species of turtles. The most common species of turtles in our area include the Eastern Painted Turtle (Chrysemys p. picta), Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina), Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata), Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) and Diamond-backed Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin).