The top predator in the modern food chain most definitely has to be the automobile. One of our most frequent messages as an organization is to be aware of wildlife on the roads and safely assist animals in the direction they were headed if possible. We live in a place where blacktop slices through the rolling hills, forests, and wetlands in almost every direction. We have intersected ancient habitats and migration paths leaving wildlife to wrestle with their instincts to cross into the path of danger.
This year I have spoken to many caring citizens who have taken time out of their busy commute to move a turtle to safety. I have personally rescued several eastern painted turtles, a handful of snapping turtles, a box turtle, and one tiny musk turtle. On my daily commute alone I have seen road-killed mink, a coyote, owls, gray foxes, and even beavers. This is the time of year when many species are seeking mates or a place to lay eggs. Several days a week I will cruise down the Route 40 corridor or through a few of the state parks searching for wildlife in need of rescue.
Today I decided to pull over on Route 24 near the Route 40 exit. I have seen a lot of roadkill along these vast yet fragmented wetland areas. I walked down the shoulder to confirm my suspicion that there was probably a lot more then I could pick out from simply driving by. As soon as I got out of my Jeep I saw the sun-baked remains of an Eastern Painted turtle right next to my tire. I walked along the guardrail and noticed another, this one only a shell. A few meters further I found a juvenile that had suffered the same fate. Then I spotted a flattened northern watersnake, actually quite large. Every few steps I took there would be another. I encountered a large snapping turtle and even a musk turtle. The numbers were in the dozens with multiple examples of each of the previously mentioned species. I am fascinated with how many of these animals are flattened on the shoulder, as if someone was swerving off the road either from not paying attention or I hate to say, intentionally targeting wildlife.
I wonder to myself how many of these unfortunate creatures could have been saved if people considered wildlife more than they do. We have all negatively impacted wildlife with our vehicles but many of us who drive with wildlife on our radar can probably avoid many of the collisions. Our organization will be discussing ways we can help the remind drivers of wildlife crossing areas through signage and perhaps even install roadside fencing to prevent wildlife from crossing into danger. Until then, please keep your eyes open, be safe, and take wildlife in account while cruising down the road.
If you find injured wildlife please call our wildlife emergency hotline at 443-333-WILD.
