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BRIDGETON NEWS (New Jersey) 21 July 03 Quack's Corner: Turtle Crossing
Dear Quack's Corner: It's that time of the year again when turtles cross roads and seek wet areas. Some people are either so ignorant or so incredibly cruel they don't think twice about smashing a turtle on the road. Can you give the reading public some education about turtles? Especially about how horribly they suffer when they are hit? Thank you. -- A Devoted Reader
Dear Devoted Reader: First, let me thank you for reading our column. Turtles usually become active in the spring, that is their mating season. But, the warm weather keeps them active, which means they are moving about and crossing roadways. You're right about how these poor creatures suffer when they're injured. They are very slow to die, they linger in pain sometimes for days. They cannot move after being mortally injured, so they are usually hit again and many times not killed. As long as the weather stays warm, even into the fall, you may come across turtles trying to cross. Be aware those of you who think hitting a creature with a vehicle is fun. How's this for fun? If another driver witnesses this deliberate hit and run, they can report your license plate number to Fish and Game. You can be fined $5,000. Harassment towards wildlife can result in a $5,000 fine. Now, with this knowledge maybe these drivers will find another activity that they will enjoy, without causing suffering to another life. And don't be so sure no one is watching you. There have been many surprised by Fish and Game.
If you see an injured turtle, if you are able to safely pick him up, take him to a veterinarian. Sometimes their bodies are all right, just surface abrasions, but their shell is cracked. A vet who treats wildlife can many times bond the shell back together, give some antibiotics, and then release the turtle. Always release the turtle in a safe area away from the roadside, but in the same area as you found him. And, in the case of a Snapper, if you can find a stick, or even the end of an umbrella, put it in front of his nose, he will bite it and hold on, and then you can pull him to safety, or lift him to get him in a carrier to transport him.
Just beware of the creatures trying to cross. If you can safely stop and help them, do it! Remember, we paved over their territory. The least we can do is to be considerate of their lives. Thank you D.R. for taking the time to write and make the public aware.
Turtle Crossing

Dose anyoen know if we in California can report this stuf to F&G as well? How about the fines anyone know those figures?
RR