[Blessed2BNTV]

Originally Posted by Bonny

I'm a little surprised at some of the comments. It was a turtle at the gate, not the turnpike. My goodness, who could be in such a hurry that 20 seconds makes a difference.
Thank you for saving the turtle. We do it all the time.

What she said 😊. Thanks Bonnie!

[gator17]

If it was a Gopher Tortoise they are endangered and the drivers broke the law!

[dillywho]

Originally Posted by gator17

If it was a Gopher Tortoise they are endangered and the drivers broke the law!

Thank you. Even it was not one on the list, why are some people hell-bent on killing wildlife or even domestic pets? I have seen people do the same thing with dogs and cats simply because they don't like them. There are people I don't like, either, but I sure wouldn't run over them or even attempt to do so!

[New Englander]

I think the OP Deb did the right thing to save the turtle. It's too bad some drivers are in such a hurry that they can't wait 20 seconds for a helpless turtle.

[Bonny]

Originally Posted by gator17

If it was a Gopher Tortoise they are endangered and the drivers broke the law!

Well then, all the better to save it than watch it get killed.
That's one less Gopher Tortoise on the endangered list.

[Henryk]

Originally Posted by Bonny

Well then, all the better to save it than watch it get killed.
That's one less Gopher Tortoise on the endangered list.

Bonny, I infer from this post that what the poster means is that if the turtle is on the endangered species list, you may not touch them or handle them in any way. People germs, I presume. At least, that's how it was in Provincetown.

[lobster610]

Deb, I don't feel you were haphazardly putting your "life" in danger since you were at a gate, not the "interstate", nor did you have time to google if it was an endangered species or not. If you hadn't reacted as quickly as you did, the poor little thing would be dead. IMO I feel you did the instinctively humane and kind thing by helping to save it's life. God Bless you!!

[Bonny]

Originally Posted by Henryk

Bonny, I infer from this post that what the poster means is that if the turtle is on the endangered species list, you may not touch them or handle them in any way. People germs, I presume. At least, that's how it was in Provincetown.

Yes, I'm sure you are right in that. They would just have to take me to jail, cause I'm saving the turtle. LOL

[lobster610]

WTG Bonny

[Carl in Tampa]

Originally Posted by lobster610

Deb, I don't feel you were haphazardly putting your "life" in danger since you were at a gate, not the "interstate", nor did you have time to google if it was an endangered species or not. If you hadn't reacted as quickly as you did, the poor little thing would be dead. IMO I feel you did the instinctively humane and kind thing by helping to save it's life. God Bless you!!

I take it you have never seen a gate knocked down by an inattentive driver.

Let's talk about putting a person's life in danger. It doesn't take a setting on the Interstate. Most folks would agree that a senior who was struck directly by a golf cart going only 10 mph could incur significant injuries, including the possibility of a broken hip, which can become a life changing (or even life ending) event.

I don't think I am an alarmist. I have investigated hundreds of traffic crashes, including many vehicle versus pedestrian. The pedestrian always loses.

It may "feel good" to "rescue" a turtle, but I continue to question the wisdom of dismounting from a motor vehicle in order to do it.

I am reminded of the time that President Clinton released an Eagle at an event in Maryland, and the Eagle was immediately knocked from the sky by four Ospreys.

You might not want to watch this video of a family releasing a cute little bunny into the wild.

Bunny swooped up by hawk moments after its release - YouTube

Let nature care for it's own.

[Debfrommaine]

You know I actually felt safer in those few moments than at times when I have crossed the street in Lake Sumter Landing. And a turtle lives on.

[ColdNoMore]

Originally Posted by Debfrommaine

You know I actually felt safer in those few moments than at times when I have crossed the street in Lake Sumter Landing. And a turtle lives on.

........

[Bonny]

Originally Posted by Debfrommaine

You know I actually felt safer in those few moments than at times when I have crossed the street in Lake Sumter Landing. And a turtle lives on.

[Railcruiser]

I'm glad you saved the turtle I have stopped before for ducks, turtles etc. whenever I see a car approaching I get out of the way , jump up-and-down and wave and try and point out the animal.
I rode my bike for thousands of miles in Boston the suburbs and the more rural areas up and down the coast. It amazes me when I ride every morning in the villages how many dead creatures are in the street and golf cart paths
I understand a squirrel or rabbit darting out. But ducks and turtles on a complete straightaway. I always think it must be on purpose. They move so slowly how can you not see them.

[Debfrommaine]

Originally Posted by Railcruiser

I'm glad you saved the turtle I have stopped before for ducks, turtles etc. whenever I see a car approaching I get out of the way , jump up-and-down and wave and try and point out the animal.
I rode my bike for thousands of miles in Boston the suburbs and the more rural areas up and down the coast. It amazes me when I ride every morning in the villages how many dead creatures are in the street and golf cart paths
I understand a squirrel or rabbit darting out. But ducks and turtles on a complete straightaway. I always think it must be on purpose. They move so slowly how can you not see them.

Could not agree more. Seriously, this turtle was going like a bat out of you know what down the golf cart path then into the road to cross at the gate - very easy to see. The red CRV was just plain not observant and did not care, IMO. I always say to to my husband "how can you not see a turtle" when I see a deceased one. Granted, there are times when we can not always stop but there are times when it is possible and safe, we gotta help when it is appropriate.