photos courtesy of Shanon Tuli
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Montvale NJ, Montvale Police Department ,Mayor Mike Ghassali and Neil Tuli to the rescue. Turtle is back safe in her natural habitat.
In New Jersey, turtle nesting season is a fascinating and critical time for these ancient reptiles. Starting as early as mid-May and lasting into late June or early July, adult female turtles embark on a journey to find the perfect spot to lay their eggs. This often brings them into close proximity with human activity, sometimes resulting in turtles nesting in backyards or along the sides of roads. Here’s what you need to know about turtle nesting season and how you can help these remarkable creatures.
The Journey to Nesting
During nesting season, female turtles leave their aquatic habitats to search for suitable nesting sites. This journey can sometimes lead them to unexpected places, including residential areas and busy roadways. Their determination to find a safe and secure spot to lay their eggs often brings them into direct contact with humans.
How You Can Help
If you find a turtle on your property or see one crossing the road, there are several ways you can assist:
- Give Them Space: The best way to help a nesting turtle is by giving it plenty of space. Avoid disturbing the turtle and allow it the time it needs to find a suitable nesting site and lay its eggs.
- Keep Children and Pets Away: Curious children and pets can inadvertently cause stress or harm to the nesting turtle. Ensure that they are kept at a safe distance to allow the turtle to complete its task undisturbed.
- Do Not Move the Turtle: Unless the turtle is in immediate danger (e.g., crossing a busy road), it’s best not to move it. Turtles have a strong instinct to return to the area they have chosen, and moving them can disorient them and interrupt their nesting process.
- Protect the Nest: Once the turtle has laid its eggs and left, the nest is vulnerable to predators and human activity. If the nest is in a high-traffic area, consider placing a barrier around it to protect it from disturbance.
After the Nesting
After laying their eggs, female turtles will return to their aquatic homes and will not provide any further care or protection for the nest. The eggs will incubate for 60–90 days, depending on the species and environmental conditions. During this time, the nest remains vulnerable, and it’s important to minimize any disturbances around the area.
Hatchling Season
Come late summer to early fall, the turtle eggs will begin to hatch. The hatchlings will make their way to the nearest water source. It’s crucial to be mindful of these tiny travelers and to assist them only if necessary. Like their mothers, hatchlings also have a strong instinct to find water and will benefit most from being left to follow their natural path.
The Importance of Turtle Conservation
Turtles play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. They help control insect and aquatic plant populations and contribute to nutrient cycling in their habitats. However, many turtle species are at risk due to habitat loss, pollution, and road mortality. By being mindful and taking simple steps to protect nesting turtles, we can contribute to their conservation and ensure that these incredible creatures continue to thrive.
Conclusion
Turtle nesting season in New Jersey is a unique opportunity to witness nature at work. By understanding the needs of nesting turtles and taking steps to protect them, we can help ensure the survival of these ancient reptiles. Remember to give turtles space, keep potential threats away, and protect their nests when possible. With our help, we can make a significant difference in the lives of New Jersey’s turtles and contribute to the conservation of these remarkable animals.
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The Montvale mayor likes to have his picture taken too…
So? Who cares??
They are saving the turtles, good for them!
Details? The turtle had crawled under the car? Where did they take it?