Dying for love

The answer is sex. 

It’s arguably the only reason that could explain why so many native long neck turtles are driven to cross major highways and back roads despite their fear of the traffic. 

Unfortunately it’s that same fear which triggers a retreat into their shells leaving them stranded on roads looking like a small cow pat or plop of mud.  

University of New England zoologist Professor Stephen Wroe explains that, like other reptiles, turtles are basically dormant through the winter months, becoming active again in the spring, and particularly when there’s rain. 

“The females are looking for other dams and waterways with a view to finding a male to mate with,” he said. 

Their movement can extend into summer; and rain – either approaching or after it’s fallen – seems to encourage their travels. 

For those of us tuned into recognising and rescuing the slow webbed pedestrians, the experience of watching a turtle squashed as we wait for another car to pass, suggests many other drivers don’t realise what's in front of them. 

But if it is possible to safely avoid driving on top of them, then the professor suggests doing so for the sake of turtle conservation. 

For those who do chose to relocate the little passion seekers, then he recommends making sure “you put them on the side of the road that they’re headed towards”. 

“If you are going to pick them up, it’s best to clean your hands as soon as possible and certainly before eating,” Professor Wroe said noting they can carry a few unpleasant microbes and will often urinate if frightened by being picked up.   

“Maybe carry some kitchen gloves” or a towel in the car, he suggests.