Westwood Police : It’s Turtle Season !

Many of the turtles you’re likely spotting on roadways this time of year are females looking for a place to lay their eggs.

If you come across any, be sure to always move them in the direction they were heading.

For smaller turtle species, like painted turtles, you can simply pick them up and move them safely off the road. Use caution with larger species, like snapping turtles (pictured with Officer Joe Kelczewski and Officer Joe Sembler) and softshells, as these animals will bite. A snow shovel works well to move them off the road — but be careful of scraping their feet!

Handle the turtles as little as possible. And only intervene if it’s safe to do so. Pull over and

watch for traffic if the roadway has a safe shoulder. Do not do so on busy roadways.