Why Are Turtles Crossing the Road? What NJ Drivers Need to Know This Mating Season
photos courtesy of the Village of Ridgewood
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, — If you’ve noticed more shells on the move lately, you aren’t alone. Turtle mating season has officially begun in New Jersey, and local wildlife is on the move.
From suburban streets to busy thoroughfares, turtles are currently trekking to find mates and nesting grounds. A particular “hot zone” has been identified along Hillcrest Road, where local turtles are frequently spotted crossing the asphalt to reach the essential pond at Habernickel Park.
Driving with extra caution during this window is vital to preserving New Jersey’s local ecosystems. Here is how you can help protect our slow-moving neighbors.
How to Safely Help a Turtle Cross the Road
If you see a turtle attempting to navigate traffic, follow these three expert tips to ensure both your safety and theirs:
- Give Them Space: If traffic allows, simply slow down and let the turtle cross on its own. They are often faster than they look when they aren’t feeling threatened!
- The “Directional” Rule: If you decide to carry a turtle across the road, always move it in the direction it was already heading. Even if the habitat on the other side looks “better” to you, the turtle has a specific destination in mind. If you put it back where it started, it will simply try to cross again.
- Stay Local: Never relocate a turtle to a different park or town. Turtles have a very small “home range” and a strong homing instinct; moving them far away can cause them to wander aimlessly and stressed until they perish.
Slow Down Near Habernickel Park
Residents near Hillcrest Road are urged to keep a sharp eye on the pavement, especially during early morning and evening hours when turtles are most active.
By taking a few extra seconds to brake, you are helping ensure that New Jersey’s wildlife thrives for generations to come.
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Tags: #NewJersey #WildlifeConservation #TurtleSeason #HabernickelPark #EcoFriendly #NJNature
The pond also has hundreds of tadpoles and my wife saw the Ridgewood bald eagle there (with pictures to confirm the sighting). We saw quite a few snapping turtles living there last summer too.