Turtles

By CONNIE MERTZ

Our family was doing a little panfish fishing at a local pond, and much to our surprise a huge snapper followed our worm to shore. The bait was quickly taken from the water and we watched the turtle closely so as not to cast in his direction. Snappers are fairly common in waterways, particularly muddy ponds.

This is the time of year to spot turtles, though you are much more likely to see a box turtle rather than a snapper. And unfortunately, many box turtles are seen along our roadways, inching their way across the treacherous crossway. Usually, they are traveling away from wet moist areas to higher ground where soft soil awaits them for nesting.

Oftentimes, I have stopped along a roadside, providing it was safe to do so, and moved a box turtle to the other side of the road. It is very important, according to Andrew Shiels, of the PA Fish and Boat Commission, to place them in the same direction where they are headed. Turtles have excellent homing instincts and if moved to the side of the road from whence it came, they will cross again.

Also, people need to know that if taken to a nature center or pet shop, a turtle can never be returned to the wild. It is an ecological factor and can be very damaging if released in an area where they are not native. So, like other species of wildlife, the turtle needs to be kept in his own domain.

If you want to observe a box turtle, check patches of wild strawberries. This is one of their favorite foods. Just the other day, my daughter found one, with its beak red from the juicy berries. And if you are very lucky, you may see a female digging her nest. This has happened to me several times, and it’s always a welcome treat.