I hope you read this

BroadHopper · 07-22-2013, 08:23 AM

Early Saturday morning about 7:30 near the Gilford/Alton line on Rte 11, I was heading east when I saw this big turtle making its way across the road. I have never seen such a big turtle pick itself up as it walk across the road. I stop to make sure other motorist pay attention. A few motorists behind me actually enjoy watching the guy! A few cars going West slowed down and were careful going around the turtle. I'm surprise no one would stop to make sure no one would run over the animal.

There was a white Navigator traveling fairly fast west and I flash my lights hoping the driver would slow down. All of a sudden those behind me were also flashing and honking their horns. The driver is not letting up!

I notice some blonde bimbo driving without a care in the world. The turtle's body was bouncing to the side of the road. I notice out of state plates on the Navigator. She did not slow down or stop!

There was utter silence among us. This was totally uncalled for!

I have no regards for thoughtless and careless people. I hope she is satisfied with her visit to this great state.

Chaselady · 07-22-2013, 08:35 AM

There seems to be a number of people like that in this world...unfortunately they aren't on this forum!

jetlag100 · 07-22-2013, 08:59 AM

So what happened to the turtle? Did he get thrown around, or did he die?

GTO · 07-22-2013, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

Early Saturday morning about 7:30 near the Gilford/Alton line on Rte 11, I was heading east when I saw this big turtle making its way across the road. I have never seen such a big turtle pick itself up as it walk across the road. I stop to make sure other motorist pay attention. A few motorists behind me actually enjoy watching the guy! A few cars going West slowed down and were careful going around the turtle. I'm surprise no one would stop to make sure no one would run over the animal.

There was a white Navigator traveling fairly fast west and I flash my lights hoping the driver would slow down. All of a sudden those behind me were also flashing and honking their horns. The driver is not letting up!

I notice some blonde bimbo driving without a care in the world. The turtle's body was bouncing to the side of the road. I notice out of state plates on the Navigator. She did not slow down or stop!

"mmmmm, but if your a slow turtle and your in the middle of the road...what happens?....Austin......."
There was utter silence among us. This was totally uncalled for!

Onshore · 07-22-2013, 02:10 PM

not surprising...
http://news.yahoo.com/college-studen...182457207.html

NHBUOY · 07-22-2013, 03:08 PM

Sad article right there ST. That isn't what I would call "...the dark side of human nature..", that is defective mentalities at work. Sad & sickening.
And BH the turtle wrangler gets a thumbs up..

gravy boat · 07-22-2013, 06:41 PM

That's right where our little slice of heaven lies.

So sad.

aquabones · 07-22-2013, 06:52 PM

Last year there was a turtle crossing the entrance ramp onto the Tenney mt Highway. I stopped the car, got out and made my husband pick up the turtle and put it on the other side of the road. Next thing-- a police car pulls behind me and reprimanded me for what i just did. At least I got the turtle to safety.

wifi · 07-22-2013, 08:01 PM

I know there is a courteous/caring/human SUV drive out there........somewhere......

gillygirl · 07-22-2013, 08:33 PM

I had a high school classmate in freshman English who put a turtle in a trash bag, set it in the road, waited until a car had run over it, then placed the bag on the English teacher's chair. The following year he strangled his girlfriend, tied her body to a tree, and set her on fire. They say serial killers start with animals.

8gv · 07-22-2013, 08:38 PM

A few weeks ago I saw a large snapping turtle facing the traffic lanes of 93. He was poised to make a mad dash across the highway. There was so much traffic I doubt he made it across.

wifi · 07-22-2013, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gillygirl

I had a high school classmate in freshman English who put a turtle in a trash bag, set it in the road, waited until a car had run over it, then placed the bag on the English teacher's chair. The following year he strangled his girlfriend, tied her body to a tree, and set her on fire. They say serial killers start with animals.

Did hr drive an SUV ?

dpg · 07-23-2013, 06:13 AM

When you try to help and pick them up ALWAYs carry them in the direction they were heading. Never put them back to the side of the road from which they were coming. They're always walking in a particular direction for a reason. Seems like common sense but ya never know!

tis · 07-23-2013, 06:30 AM

WE have stopped for many turtles and helped them across the road. We also stop for chipmunks and squirrels which I swear someday is going to get us rear ended. Just can't bear to hit them though.

ITD · 07-23-2013, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tis

WE have stopped for many turtles and helped them across the road. We also stop for chipmunks and squirrels which I swear someday is going to get us rear ended. Just can't bear to hit them though.

I'll hit the brakes for animals if there is no one behind me, otherwise I'll run over it, usually they get out of the way, but occasionally........

Slamming brakes on for small animals with someone behind you is dangerous, human life is more important.

NH_boater · 07-23-2013, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wifi

Did hr drive an SUV ?

Strange that you found humor in this post.

CateP · 07-23-2013, 12:39 PM

If it's any consolation, we rescued a painted turtle the other day. We actually relocated it in a nearby pond, FAR from any road. Felt good to do that.

Unfortunately some visitors to our region are not "nature aware" or "tuned in to their environment." Sad for them. They are missing out.

dave603 · 07-23-2013, 03:21 PM

From what I've noticed, too many are too busy talking on cell phones to notice a turtle, sometimes not even my truck towing the boat.

Dave R · 07-23-2013, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CateP

If it's any consolation, we rescued a painted turtle the other day. We actually relocated it in a nearby pond, FAR from any road. Felt good to do that.

That turtle was probably trying to get to a place to lay eggs; if so, bringing it to a pond, especially an unfamiliar one, was not doing it any favors.

HomeWood · 07-23-2013, 05:49 PM

I just move them across the street in whatever direction they were going. They're not lost (usually). We have lots of Box turtles here that get hit.

If it's a Snapping turtle that needs a hand, don't be afraid to grab it by the tail if you're brave enough. You won't hurt it and it's head can't reach around to chomp you.

hilltopper · 07-24-2013, 06:30 AM

That reminds me of a funny story. I had some family coming over to the house one day. They get to the house and pull a large box out of the minivan. I look in the box and there's a large snapping turtle. I ask my Mom why the heck she has a turtle with her. She says she found it down the hill from the house and thought the kids would enjoy bringing it to the pond/marshland that we have about 200 or so yards into the woods behind the house. I suggested we bring it back to where she found it but she was adamant.

A couple of days later I'm in the kitchen doing something and I look out the window and see the snapping turtle walking down the driveway. Over the next few hours I watched its progress as it made its way down the hill presumably back to where Mom found it.

Pineedles · 07-24-2013, 08:50 AM

The DEEP in CT is about to announce a hunting season on snapping turtles with specific dates for harvest and limit number. Their reasoning is that commercial turtle hunters are diminishing the population of the turtles and by establishing a season the population will be better protected as there are no laws presently governing their capture. On the surface some folks are aghast at this but actually it makes sense.

CateP · 07-24-2013, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave R

That turtle was probably trying to get to a place to lay eggs; if so, bringing it to a pond, especially an unfamiliar one, was not doing it any favors.

Hmm. Didn't think about that. Looks like I need to learn some more about turtles crossing the road.

Here is a good resource:
http://www.turtlerescueleague.com/crossing/titr.html

Key take-aways...
"Make sure to put the turtle in the direction it was heading, NEVER TURN THEM AROUND! The turtle is on a mission, and if you turn it around, it will simply go back across the road when you drive away."

"Although you may be tempted to relocate a turtle, don't. Many turtles have "Home Ranges", a territory they call home, and when relocated, they will search out ways back. Besides risking many additional road crossings, some turtles, if they cannot find their way back will stop eating and just wander listlessly."

THANKS DAVE R for the good advice.

Billy Bob · 07-24-2013, 11:42 AM

Key take-aways...
"Make sure to put the turtle in the direction it was heading, NEVER TURN THEM AROUND! The turtle is on a mission, and if you turn it around, it will simply go back across the road when you drive away."

"Although you may be tempted to relocate a turtle, don't. Many turtles have "Home Ranges", a territory they call home, and when relocated, they will search out ways back. Besides risking many additional road crossings, some turtles, if they cannot find their way back will stop eating and just wander listlessly."

This explains a lot !!! My mother in law has the same issue , also can't eat till she makes it to our house

Begonezvous · 07-24-2013, 04:12 PM

I was out for bike ride this morning and came across a small turtle crossing a well travelled road. I picked up the little fella and placed he/she on the side of the road (the side he was facing). I hope he had not just turned around to see how much progress he had made?

aquabones · 07-25-2013, 03:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billy Bob

Key take-aways...
"Make sure to put the turtle in the direction it was heading, NEVER TURN THEM AROUND! The turtle is on a mission, and if you turn it around, it will simply go back across the road when you drive away."

"Although you may be tempted to relocate a turtle, don't. Many turtles have "Home Ranges", a territory they call home, and when relocated, they will search out ways back. Besides risking many additional road crossings, some turtles, if they cannot find their way back will stop eating and just wander listlessly."

This explains a lot !!! My mother in law has the same issue , also can't eat till she makes it to our house

this is a good fact for people trying to help the turtles.

Misty Blue · 07-26-2013, 05:01 PM

I have been told that when you see a turtle crossing the road it is a female heading to lay eggs. They are very particular about the location.

'Saved two BIG snappers this year. One was as big as a monopoly board!

A motorist had stopped and was warning other drivers of the situatiion and I pulled over. I got a strap put of my truck and passed one end to the helpful driver and we put it in front of the turtles head and it snapped it up. As we were slowly dragging it across the road (same direction!) one irate driver tooted his horn and said "Hurry it up". With a wink and a smile I called back that we were hurd'en turtles and it takes time! He shook his head and with a smile gave us a thumbs up.

Lotsa nice folks out there too!

Misty Blue

ChocolateGypsy · 07-26-2013, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ITD

I'll hit the brakes for animals if there is no one behind me, otherwise I'll run over it, usually they get out of the way, but occasionally........

Slamming brakes on for small animals with someone behind you is dangerous, human life is more important.

i thought drivers were supposed to keep a safe distance so they wouldn't run into a car which had to stop suddenly? (i.e. 1 car length per every 10 mph.) I was also told I was not supposed to overdrive my ability to stop if something should suddenly appear ON the road ahead of me... I wonder how many motorcyclists have been killed by the car behind them?

RailroadJoe · 07-27-2013, 05:45 AM

Have you driven the roads lately? One car for every 70 miles per hour is standard to some.

07-22-2013, 08:23 AM	#1
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,509 Thanks: 3,116 Thanked 1,089 Times in 783 Posts	I hope you read this Early Saturday morning about 7:30 near the Gilford/Alton line on Rte 11, I was heading east when I saw this big turtle making its way across the road. I have never seen such a big turtle pick itself up as it walk across the road. I stop to make sure other motorist pay attention. A few motorists behind me actually enjoy watching the guy! A few cars going West slowed down and were careful going around the turtle. I'm surprise no one would stop to make sure no one would run over the animal. There was a white Navigator traveling fairly fast west and I flash my lights hoping the driver would slow down. All of a sudden those behind me were also flashing and honking their horns. The driver is not letting up! I notice some blonde bimbo driving without a care in the world. The turtle's body was bouncing to the side of the road. I notice out of state plates on the Navigator. She did not slow down or stop! There was utter silence among us. This was totally uncalled for! I have no regards for thoughtless and careless people. I hope she is satisfied with her visit to this great state. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

07-22-2013, 06:41 PM	#7
gravy boat Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Gilford year round, West Alton summers Posts: 580 Thanks: 579 Thanked 193 Times in 98 Posts	Pathetic That's right where our little slice of heaven lies. So sad.

07-22-2013, 06:52 PM	#8
aquabones Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 70 Thanks: 43 Thanked 16 Times in 5 Posts	turtles crossing Last year there was a turtle crossing the entrance ramp onto the Tenney mt Highway. I stopped the car, got out and made my husband pick up the turtle and put it on the other side of the road. Next thing-- a police car pulls behind me and reprimanded me for what i just did. At least I got the turtle to safety.

07-22-2013, 08:01 PM	#9
wifi Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lakes Region Posts: 1,321 Thanks: 282 Thanked 287 Times in 169 Posts	SUV's I know there is a courteous/caring/human SUV drive out there........somewhere......

07-22-2013, 08:33 PM	#10
gillygirl Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 734 Thanks: 749 Thanked 299 Times in 198 Posts	I had a high school classmate in freshman English who put a turtle in a trash bag, set it in the road, waited until a car had run over it, then placed the bag on the English teacher's chair. The following year he strangled his girlfriend, tied her body to a tree, and set her on fire. They say serial killers start with animals. __________________ GG

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aquabones (07-22-2013)

07-22-2013, 08:35 AM	#2
Chaselady Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Melvin Village Posts: 309 Thanks: 150 Thanked 105 Times in 73 Posts	There seems to be a number of people like that in this world...unfortunately they aren't on this forum!

07-22-2013, 08:59 AM	#3
jetlag100 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Revere, Massachusetts and Moultonborough, N.H. Posts: 311 Thanks: 228 Thanked 79 Times in 50 Posts	So what happened to the turtle? Did he get thrown around, or did he die?

07-22-2013, 02:10 PM	#5
Onshore Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 500 Thanks: 12 Thanked 400 Times in 143 Posts	not surprising... http://news.yahoo.com/college-studen...182457207.html

07-22-2013, 03:08 PM	#6
NHBUOY Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Loon Mtn. winters...Meredith Neck summers Posts: 398 Thanks: 288 Thanked 94 Times in 60 Posts	Sad article right there ST. That isn't what I would call "...the dark side of human nature..", that is defective mentalities at work. Sad & sickening. And BH the turtle wrangler gets a thumbs up..

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07-22-2013, 08:38 PM	#11
8gv Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,009 Thanks: 61 Thanked 701 Times in 455 Posts	A few weeks ago I saw a large snapping turtle facing the traffic lanes of 93. He was poised to make a mad dash across the highway. There was so much traffic I doubt he made it across.

07-23-2013, 06:13 AM	#13
dpg Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 2,560 Thanks: 149 Thanked 229 Times in 166 Posts	When you try to help and pick them up ALWAYs carry them in the direction they were heading. Never put them back to the side of the road from which they were coming. They're always walking in a particular direction for a reason. Seems like common sense but ya never know!

07-23-2013, 06:30 AM	#14
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,404 Thanks: 719 Thanked 1,379 Times in 955 Posts	WE have stopped for many turtles and helped them across the road. We also stop for chipmunks and squirrels which I swear someday is going to get us rear ended. Just can't bear to hit them though.

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to ITD For This Useful Post:
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07-23-2013, 12:39 PM	#17
CateP Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 868 Thanks: 584 Thanked 540 Times in 210 Posts	If it's any consolation, we rescued a painted turtle the other day. We actually relocated it in a nearby pond, FAR from any road. Felt good to do that. Unfortunately some visitors to our region are not "nature aware" or "tuned in to their environment." Sad for them. They are missing out.

07-23-2013, 03:21 PM	#18
dave603 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Nashua/Winnisquam Posts: 282 Thanks: 106 Thanked 96 Times in 49 Posts	Cate From what I've noticed, too many are too busy talking on cell phones to notice a turtle, sometimes not even my truck towing the boat.

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07-23-2013, 05:49 PM	#20
HomeWood Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Clayton,NC / Sanbornton,NH Posts: 610 Thanks: 125 Thanked 136 Times in 74 Posts	I just move them across the street in whatever direction they were going. They're not lost (usually). We have lots of Box turtles here that get hit. If it's a Snapping turtle that needs a hand, don't be afraid to grab it by the tail if you're brave enough. You won't hurt it and it's head can't reach around to chomp you.

The Following User Says Thank You to HomeWood For This Useful Post:
aquabones (07-24-2013)

07-24-2013, 06:30 AM	#21
hilltopper Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Meredith Posts: 716 Thanks: 25 Thanked 105 Times in 66 Posts	That reminds me of a funny story. I had some family coming over to the house one day. They get to the house and pull a large box out of the minivan. I look in the box and there's a large snapping turtle. I ask my Mom why the heck she has a turtle with her. She says she found it down the hill from the house and thought the kids would enjoy bringing it to the pond/marshland that we have about 200 or so yards into the woods behind the house. I suggested we bring it back to where she found it but she was adamant. A couple of days later I'm in the kitchen doing something and I look out the window and see the snapping turtle walking down the driveway. Over the next few hours I watched its progress as it made its way down the hill presumably back to where Mom found it.

07-24-2013, 08:50 AM	#22
Pineedles Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Moultonborough & CT Posts: 2,535 Thanks: 1,058 Thanked 652 Times in 363 Posts	The DEEP in CT is about to announce a hunting season on snapping turtles with specific dates for harvest and limit number. Their reasoning is that commercial turtle hunters are diminishing the population of the turtles and by establishing a season the population will be better protected as there are no laws presently governing their capture. On the surface some folks are aghast at this but actually it makes sense.

07-24-2013, 11:42 AM	#24
Billy Bob Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Tiera Verdi Fl & Moultonborough Posts: 295 Thanks: 115 Thanked 154 Times in 92 Posts	Key take-aways... "Make sure to put the turtle in the direction it was heading, NEVER TURN THEM AROUND! The turtle is on a mission, and if you turn it around, it will simply go back across the road when you drive away." "Although you may be tempted to relocate a turtle, don't. Many turtles have "Home Ranges", a territory they call home, and when relocated, they will search out ways back. Besides risking many additional road crossings, some turtles, if they cannot find their way back will stop eating and just wander listlessly." This explains a lot !!! My mother in law has the same issue , also can't eat till she makes it to our house

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Ride & Dive (07-24-2013)

07-24-2013, 04:12 PM	#25
Begonezvous Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Tuftonboro Posts: 50 Thanks: 7 Thanked 17 Times in 13 Posts	My good deed for today I was out for bike ride this morning and came across a small turtle crossing a well travelled road. I picked up the little fella and placed he/she on the side of the road (the side he was facing). I hope he had not just turned around to see how much progress he had made?

07-26-2013, 05:01 PM	#27
Misty Blue Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 658 Thanks: 121 Thanked 283 Times in 98 Posts	Why did the turtle cross the road? I have been told that when you see a turtle crossing the road it is a female heading to lay eggs. They are very particular about the location. 'Saved two BIG snappers this year. One was as big as a monopoly board! A motorist had stopped and was warning other drivers of the situatiion and I pulled over. I got a strap put of my truck and passed one end to the helpful driver and we put it in front of the turtles head and it snapped it up. As we were slowly dragging it across the road (same direction!) one irate driver tooted his horn and said "Hurry it up". With a wink and a smile I called back that we were hurd'en turtles and it takes time! He shook his head and with a smile gave us a thumbs up. Lotsa nice folks out there too! Misty Blue

07-27-2013, 05:45 AM	#29
RailroadJoe Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 620 Thanks: 259 Thanked 158 Times in 100 Posts	Have you driven the roads lately? One car for every 70 miles per hour is standard to some.

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