New York State Environmental Conservation officials are asking motorists to keep a special eye out for turtles that may be trying to cross roads this time of year to get to their nesting sites.

Thousands of turtles come to an untimely end under tire treads every spring.

Officials say, when it is safe, drivers could pull over and move the turtles off the road.

Of course, it is not advised that people interact with snapping turtles.  For other species, turtles should be picked up by the shell near the rear and not by their tails.

Anyone handling amphibians or reptiles should always thoroughly wash and sanitize their hands since the animals can carry Salmonella.

Details about turtles in New York can be found at www.dec.ny.gov.

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