Why did the box turtle cross the road? Who knows BUT this old guy was trying and came within seconds of sure death. I was driving on the opposite side of the road when I saw him in the middle about to cross the other lane. A big SUV was flying down the road towards him. I quickly slammed on my emergency brake, did a U-Turn (Dukes of Hazard style) and stopped traffic to grab him. Growing up in the pine barrens, I've always had a keen eye for turtle crossings. In fact, this is probably over the 100th turtle I've saved throughout my life. I even keep a rubbermaid container in my trunk for such events. I NEVER see any snakes BUT I always find the turtles. Friends and family joke that I must attract them or something.
Anyway, I snapped some pics and then RELEASED HIM back to the wild. Releasing a turtle after saving it is simply the BEST feeling in the world. These animals remind me of ancient dinosaurs and have been around much longer than us so they definately deserve respect. In an age when over-development continually reduces their territory, its heartbreaking anymore when I do see them (which has become less frequent). Well ENJOY! Sincerely, Jason
