Why did the turtle cross the road? To get to the other side and lay her eggs. This is my annual reminder about terrapin time at the Jersey Shore. In the late spring/early summer, these sweet little creatures make the trek to our local Margate beaches to find a good place to lay their eggs. Unfortunately, this coincides with our busy tourist season. Therefore, we ask that you keep an eye out for them whenever you traverse our hectic streets right now.
Terrapin Time at the Jersey Shore
Look Out! Terrapin Crossing!
Last weekend, I joined up with other local volunteers to help repair and fortify the terrapin barriers along the Causeway to protect terrapin time at the Jersey Shore. Margate Terrapin Rescue began back in 2007 as a way to protect our turtle mamas from becoming roadkill. However, their efforts go back as far as the mid-1990s. Our brackish tidal marshes offer the perfect location for Diamondback Terrapins to nest. Since 2007, Margate Terrapin Rescue has raised money to purchase tubing and fencing that protect our turtles as they cross our busy roadways to lay their eggs. As nesting season approaches, they also increase patrols in the area to alert drivers whenever an increase in turtle crossings occurs. You may have seen their bright yellow signs along our local roads.
How to Help
It may be a little late to help install and repair the barriers. But you can still provide some much-needed assistance in a variety of ways with terrapin time. First, visit the Margate Terrapin Rescue website. Consider a monthly or one-time monetary donation. Currently, they are offering T-shirts, tank tops, and sweatshirts up for sale. Sizes run from small to 4X. You have until March 28th, 2023 to purchase one. All money raised goes towards buying new fencing and tubing for future installation. Next, consider donating your time. Sign up for volunteer patrol duty. They love it when people want to help look out for our little turtle mamas.
What to Do if You See a Turtle on the Road
If you happen to see a turtle crossing the road, what should you do? First, pull over safely to the side. Make a mental note of the direction in which the turtle was headed. Then, when there is a break in traffic and you can safely do so, go over to the turtle and pick it up by its shell. Never pick it up by its tail. After that, move it to the other side of the road in which it was headed. If you turn it back the way it came, it may try to cross the road again and put itself in jeopardy. If the turtle snaps at you, use a long stick to gently nudge it forward along the path it was headed. You may also hold it by its hind leg and put a hand on its tummy to guide it along its way. However, if you fear for your safety or worry about getting bitten, you can always contact the rescue project to let them know.
AC Property Fraud Protection
Also, a quick reminder. You can still sign up for Atlantic County Property Fraud Protection alerts for free. It only takes a few minutes to register for the alerts. It could help you fight against property fraud before you even know there is a problem. Sign up today!
Sherri Lilienfeld, Apex Prime Realty, Your Source for Jersey Shore Real Estate