Turtle Crossing at Meigs Point Nature Center!

Summer’s almost here and while many of us are still waiting to hit the water most of us have hit the beach. We’ll often travel by bike or car but some of seagoing friends will be walking and we ought not offer them a lift, no matter how cute they are.

Meigs Point Nature Center posted a photo of this baby Northern Diamondback Terrapin turtle onto Connecticut Fish and Wildlife’s Facebook page with a reminder to let those little guys cross the road at their own pace. They wrote, “please leave turtles where you see them. If you see one crossing the road, don't put it back on the side it came from --- it will just cross again.”

Connecticut has 12 native turtle species, including four sea turtles and the Northern Diamondback Terrapin is the only one interested in the brackish water of salt marshes, estuaries, and tidal creeks, according to this DEEP website.

The species was abundant before it became a popular gourmet food, according to information posted by the DEEP. Motor boats and cars are also responsible for their declining population. So, if you see them crossing the road this summer en route to a new home, it’s ok stop and take a look but this critter is protected by the state so don’t touch.