Terrapene Carolina

I'm sure you probably all know about my immeasurable love for birds, but you may or may not know that I have the same fondness for turtles. I've always loved turtles (see), but the older I've gotten, the more I've learned about their (box turtles, or terrapene carolina) rapid decline due to habitat destruction and fragmentation. It's because of the information I've read that I've basically become a turtle-saving maniac. Up until today, I've only ever run into the highway or blocked traffic for two turtles in one day, but in less than two hours of driving I got 5, yes FIVE, turtles from the road!


turtle pictures found here and here.


Like a fool, I left my camera at home today, but any turtle is cute! So, back to my story. I was told the other year (regarding orphaned or injured birds, and any wild animal in a perilous situation) that, basically, I'm stepping in and disturbing nature, and I should leave all wildlife alone. I, on the other hand, disagree. I feel that I'm put in a specific place at a specific time because I'm supposed to be there, and I can help. Do we think that doctors are disrupting things by saving lives? No.

Okay, rant over, back to the silly stuff. Two of the turtles were at the edge of the road on my way to work this morning, and three of them were in the road on my way to see my first client. There was a car a ways behind me when I stopped to get the fifth turtle out of the road, so I pulled over, jumped out of the car, and put my hand up to say, "stop" while I was walking to the turtle. Well, they didn't obey the sign, but the turtle is now safe, so that's all that matters!

A couple years ago when I was at my favorite local junk/antique shop, I spotted this pretty necklace, and I felt like was made for me! Fitting, no? In addition to mingling with turtles, I also went to pick up this CD from Karl Blau at my local indie record store, Speakertree Records, and I love it!

15 comments:

  1. Such a sweet story! So glad you're a turtle-saver. :) 5 in one day is kind of crazy, right??

    ReplyDelete
  2. too darling! my dad is our family turtle rescuer. i don't drive (and i don't think many turtles live in the city) but i love turtles and i would hopefully do the same if i saw one in need!

    ReplyDelete
  3. i've only ever seen sea turtles... and rather frequently at that. i'm really afraid for them when it comes to this oil spill. we rescued one from behind my house a few weeks ago (300 lbs!)... named it "Toni", and the turtle hospital came with the turtle ambulance, complete with baby pools in the back.

    ReplyDelete
  4. claire, 5 in one day is absolute insanity! i did see two other, but sadly they'd been hit :( they always seem to come out more after it rains (which it did a lot last night), so i'm always sure to keep my eyes peeled!

    taylor, good for your dad! this world needs more turtle rescuers!

    holli, i'm so glad you guys were able to help a sea turtle. since i live four hours from the beach, i've only seen them at aquariums, but they're so beautiful. i hope this fall when i go to florida i'll be able to see at least one in its natural habitat. the oil spill has been so upsetting. i've seen so many pictures of dying birds, and i wish i could go to the gulf and help with the clean up.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I can't believe someone told you that you were disrupting nature because you were protecting animals' lives. Crazy! I have the same protective nature to every animal I meet. Except for spiders. They can fend for themselves. :p

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow what a story and that necklace is gorgeous! Sending you a hug! xo

    ReplyDelete
  7. adorable! i'm so glad that you stop to save them! i never see any down here, ever. i'm not sure i've ever seen a turtle in the wild. i would love to live somewhere with more nature.

    ReplyDelete
  8. THIS IS THE CUTEST THING I HAVE EVER SEEN

    ReplyDelete
  9. ahhhh
    those turtles are lucky YOU came by
    the first photo would make a great watercolor ... is it your photo???

    ReplyDelete
  10. stupid people! if they would of hit the turtle i would of cried!
    i too like turtles and this makes me happy bc you are gonna love your present!!!!
    xo
    b

    ReplyDelete
  11. i always stop for turtles and try to rescue them from the road. i love them so much!

    xo.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh my gosh, they are so adorable. I remember when my BFF had a turtle and I was scared to death of it (I know, right?) - now, they are the most precious little creatures to me:)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hey,
    It's really adorable!
    I am happy to have discover your blog. It is cool.
    When I read your post, I think to "Arizona dream".

    Sorry for my english and see you soon,
    lucie

    lalucioleprendsonenvol.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  14. one of my good friends has a red earred slider and he is the CUTEST thing! If I had the space, I would love a pet turtle!

    ReplyDelete

I'd love to hear what you think!