Native turtles are on the move in May and June seeking sandy areas or loose soil to lay their eggs. In New York, thousands of turtles are killed each year when they are struck by vehicles as they migrate to their nesting areas. [Read more…] about Be Alert for Turtles Crossing the Road
turtles
Report Cold-Stunned Sea Turtle Sightings on New York Beaches
There are four species of sea turtles that can be found in New York’s coastal waters: green, Kemp’s ridley, leatherback and loggerhead sea turtles. They remain local in the area during the warmer months from approximately May through November, and will typically begin their migration south to warmer nesting waters by mid-November. [Read more…] about Report Cold-Stunned Sea Turtle Sightings on New York Beaches
Operation Low Tide Nabs Crab, Turtle Poachers
According to a press release issued by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), on June 10th, after receiving multiple complaints of people keeping undersized marine species, shellfish from uncertified waters, and protected terrapins (commonly called turtles) during low tide, Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) Veloski and Currey participated in Operation Low Tide, an enforcement initiative to combat the illegal taking of wildlife and shellfish in New York City. [Read more…] about Operation Low Tide Nabs Crab, Turtle Poachers
Basking Painted Turtles
In any shallow, muddy-bottom body of water in spring, when the sun is shinning or a southerly breeze has elevated the temperature into the 50s or 60s, the painted turtle may be seen lounging peacefully, often in the company of others of its species. [Read more…] about Basking Painted Turtles
Wood Turtles Under Threat
Last June my wife Marie and I encountered a mature wood turtle while walking through a forest near our home. We admired the intricate topography of its shell, inspiration for this species’ scientific name: Glyptemys (“carved turtle”) insculpta (“sculpted”).
The nine-inch adult had brownish-black skin and scarlet-orange patches on its neck and legs. Its lower shell was a rich yellow encircled by black splotches.
[Read more…] about Wood Turtles Under Threat
Snapping Turtles: New York State’s Official Reptile
This time of year many people are seeing snapping turtles digging in their yards or swimming in home ponds. Snapping turtles and other turtles make their nests in easily dug soil, so they may lay their eggs in backyards and gardens.
Snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) are often described as aggressive, but a better term is defensive. They try to avoid confrontation and are more likely to defend themselves on dry land.
[Read more…] about Snapping Turtles: New York State’s Official Reptile
When Eating Turtle Was All The Rage
Before the mid-eighteenth century, turtles were largely untried as edibles in North America. For considerable time, the turtle was assumed to be poisonous. An infernal creature, a “resident of hell,” it should not be cultivated for food.
But attitudes changed. By the mid-nineteenth century, civic banquets would inevitably offer turtle on the menu. [Read more…] about When Eating Turtle Was All The Rage
Schenectady City Park Beast May Be A Snapper
On April 27 at 9:45 am, New York State Environmental Conservation Officers responded to reports of a possible alligator at Steinmetz Park in Schenectady.
The ECOs said they canvassed the park for signs of an alligator and found none. [Read more…] about Schenectady City Park Beast May Be A Snapper