Passport to Texas

This is Passport to Texas

If biologist Wendy Connally has one piece of advice to share when it comes to finding wildlife in unexpected places, it would be this:

15—In those instances, unless the animals is physically wounded, bleeding, broken…it’s really best to keep your distance, maintain some peace and quiet, and allow that animal to be.

Animals rely on instinct…instincts, which at times, may place them in jeopardy, such as when crossing busy roadways for migration or seeking a mate. That’s when humans want to “help.”

19— For instance, if you see turtles crossing the road—don’t put yourself in harm’s way. Pull over on the shoulder of the road if it’s a safe and legal place to be. You can put your flashers on; that creates an awareness for people to slow down. People may see that turtle crossing the road and get the idea that you are trying to do your part.

Some people insist on taking a hands on approach when it comes to aiding wildlife, such as turtles, that appear to be at risk. If you must, Wendy Connally says: do so thoughtfully and safely.

13— Pay very close attention to where it was pointed, and where it was headed. And then you could pick it up and safely transport it just to the other side of the road, and then let it find its bearings and continue its path; and then wash your hands (laughs).

We’ll have more about “misplaced” wildlife tomorrow.

The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program supports our series and funds conservation projects in Texas.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 19th, 2012 at 12:00 am and is filed under Wildlife. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.