In a Nutshell:
- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has issued a warning to drivers about snakes sunbathing in the middle of the road, urging them to drive slowly and brake for snakes.
- The warning was accompanied by photos of reptiles lounging on roads in Modoc National Wildlife Refuge, California, attracting attention from unexpected “snake wranglers.”
- The post emphasizes the importance of snakes and turtles in the ecosystem and advises helping turtles cross the road by moving them to the side they were heading towards.
There’s a new kind of traffic in town, folks, and it’s not your typical rush hour jam.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has issued a warning to drivers about a scaly situation that’s causing quite a hiss.
That’s right, it’s snake season, and these cold-blooded commuters are sunbathing in the middle of the road.
“Please drive slowly and brake for snakes (and their friends),” the service cautions in a Facebook post. Now, I don’t know about you, but I certainly didn’t expect ‘snake wrangler’ to be added to my driving skills list.
The post, which gained thousands of likes (presumably from other unexpected snake wranglers), showcased photos of reptiles lounging on tarmac roads in Modoc National Wildlife Refuge, California.
The refuge, in case you’re wondering, spans a sprawling 7,021 acres and houses a veritable Noah’s Ark of critters, from wetlands to grasslands.
Unlike us sunburn-prone humans, reptiles can’t generate their own body heat and need to bask in the sun.
Hence, the scaly sunbathers are attracted to black and gray paved roads that have soaked up the sun’s rays, blissfully unaware of the 40-mph threats zooming their way.
Over winter, our cold-blooded companions hibernate in burrows, waiting out the chill. Come spring, they emerge to bask and become prone to accidents.
Now, that’s a surefire way to add a little too much excitement to a sunny drive!
One of the stars of the Fish and Wildlife Service’s post is the western pond turtle, California’s only native freshwater turtle. This hard-shelled fellow is endangered in Washington state, with populations dwindling elsewhere.
And while the thought of a snake might make you want to slither away, these creatures play a crucial role in our ecosystem. They keep pests such as mice and rats in check, proving that even the scariest of critters can be our sly, slithery superheroes.
In response to the post, dozens of users shared their reptile rescue tales.
One user from Virginia recounted moving many turtles off the road, though the snapping ones were apparently less cooperative. (I mean, can you blame them?)
Another brave Ohioan declared, “I brake for snakes and turtles, and stop and relocate them.”
Should you find yourself in a shell of a situation, the Fish and Wildlife Service advises helping turtles across the road, moving them to the side they were heading towards.
Just don’t pick them up by the tail—it’s both rude and a surefire way to make a turtle enemy.
So, folks, keep your eyes peeled for these sun-seeking serpents and turtles on your next road trip. Remember, they were here first, and they just want to catch some rays.
Happy snake season, and drive safely!
Source
Rattlerjake
May 14, 2023 at 10:12 pm
WRONG on not picking up by the tail. THAT IS THE ONLY WAY TO PICK UP A SNAPPING TURTLE and not get bit. Other turtles don’t have a long enough tail.