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Author Topic: Suicidal Turtles?  (Read 224 times)

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Alan

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Suicidal Turtles?
« on: August 22, 2009, 03:54:39 PM »
Noticed something odd lately.  Over the past couple months we have been coming across TONS of various turtles out on the road.  Today my neighbor also saved one crossing Kings by the entrance of our community.  Today we saved some sort of aquatic turtle on our way to Super Target in Brandon (couldn't tell if it was a Cooter or Slider or what).  On the same road a week earlier we saw a dead water turtle of some type.  Few weeks ago a HUGE softshell crossing the exit from the elevated part of the Crosstown (my wife saved the same kind out in lakeland recently). 
 
The oddest thing was a large Gopher Tortoise we found trying to take the entrance ramp up to the elevated part of the Crosstown headed into Brandon.  We picked the poor guy up and had no idea where to put him where he wouldn't get back out onto the road.  I put him in the back of my Passat and drove him out to Wilderness Park.  I know you aren't supposed to relocate these tortoises, but we really had no choice...we were miles from anywhere that this guy/gal was supposed to be.  Couple photos are below:
 


 
 
So has anyone else noticed an increased amount of turtles out on the road? 
« Last Edit: August 22, 2009, 03:57:42 PM by Alan »
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Scott

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Re: Suicidal Turtles?
« Reply #1 on: August 22, 2009, 05:36:42 PM »
I have seen like 10 or more everytime I ride the double trak on the North side of the Quadrants.
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Skinman

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Re: Suicidal Turtles?
« Reply #2 on: August 22, 2009, 06:55:57 PM »
I dont know what gets them confused, but I have seen them everywhere, streets, parking lots, my backyard and all over Boyette. Maybe all the rain just has them moving around more. It been a great summer for turtles!
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Triple T

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Re: Suicidal Turtles?
« Reply #3 on: August 22, 2009, 07:36:13 PM »
Quote from: Skinman on August 22, 2009, 06:55:57 PM
Maybe all the rain just has them moving around more.

That was my guess as well.  Their little homes are probably getting flooded.  :(
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Garry

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Re: Suicidal Turtles?
« Reply #4 on: August 23, 2009, 12:55:00 PM »
It is REALLY BAD to "relocate" gopher tortoises because they have such a widespread malady of a respiration disease.  If one looses it's life on the road, while sad, it is more preferable than it taking it's possible disease to an entire colony of tortoises and many more dying.
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Robobiker

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Re: Suicidal Turtles?
« Reply #5 on: August 23, 2009, 04:31:14 PM »
There is a good discussion of tortoises relocation issues at, http://www.ashtonbiodiversity.org/pdf/relocation-methods-defined.pdf  .For disease issues including upper respiratory tract disease just search "disease" and you will find some thoughtful discussion.
 
BTW, that is quite a fat & happy looking tortoi  ;D
 
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Alan

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Re: Suicidal Turtles?
« Reply #6 on: August 23, 2009, 04:53:58 PM »
I was not aware of the potential disease risk until after we had already done the deed.  I'd never relocate any animal for sheeeets and grins but at the time I felt there was no choice.  Given the circumstances I doubt that I'd be the only person who would have this...the other side of the road was literally a breakdown lane, concrete wall, and very long drop down to the lower level of the expressway.  Not exactly sure what the "right thing to do" would be in this situation.  I feel terrible that I could have potentially screwed with nature, but I know I'd feel worse if I did nothing to try to help this lost guy.
 
 
Out of curiosity, are there any places out there that would take wounded or at-risk tortoi's?  Based on that link above there are people out there dedicated to the preservation and potential relocation of these animals.  If I run into a similar situation again, I want to make sure I do the right thing and not risk further endangering these beautiful creatures. 
 
 
 
« Last Edit: August 23, 2009, 04:59:14 PM by Alan »
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bugman

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Re: Suicidal Turtles?
« Reply #7 on: August 24, 2009, 11:16:22 AM »
Care Animal Hospital on Bloomingdale Ave near the Wal-mart.
 
http://www.careanimalhospital.org/vet-services/wildlife-rescue.aspx
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steve

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Re: Suicidal Turtles?
« Reply #8 on: August 24, 2009, 04:22:17 PM »
Quote from: Alan on August 23, 2009, 04:53:58 PM
I was not aware of the potential disease risk until after we had already done the deed.  I'd never relocate any animal for sheeeets and grins but at the time I felt there was no choice.  Given the circumstances I doubt that I'd be the only person who would have this...the other side of the road was literally a breakdown lane, concrete wall, and very long drop down to the lower level of the expressway.  Not exactly sure what the "right thing to do" would be in this situation.  I feel terrible that I could have potentially screwed with nature, but I know I'd feel worse if I did nothing to try to help this lost guy.
 
 
Out of curiosity, are there any places out there that would take wounded or at-risk tortoi's?  Based on that link above there are people out there dedicated to the preservation and potential relocation of these animals.  If I run into a similar situation again, I want to make sure I do the right thing and not risk further endangering these beautiful creatures.
Oh wow youre gonna be real sick now
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