Park rangers are signaling a seasonal reminder to drivers cruising along Sand Point Road to slow it down for their reptilian road-crossers. According to WWJ Newsradio, the journey from beach to marsh is a treacherous trek for these cold-blooded commuters, who find the asphalt an inviting place to bask in the sun, making for potential slow-motion standoffs between car and creature.
The staff at Pictured Rocks point out that the turtles are mostly snapping turtles, which can deliver a mean bite if provoked; thus, it is advisable to let them be and never to nudge them back from whence they came, as reported by MLive. “It’ll get there ... eventually. The turtles crossing Sand Point are typically snapping turtles, so it’s best to avoid picking them up - for all parties (and digits) involved. Never push a turtle back to the side it is coming from. It’s trying to cross the road for a reason,” ranger staff advised.
If you plan on parking along Sand Point Road, do yourselves (and the turtles) a favor by scoping out your spot twice; once before you park and again before you head out to avoid an unpleasant surprise under your tires, as advised by WXYZ. "If you are parking on the side of Sand Point Road, please double check to be sure there are no turtles already in that spot before you park and before you depart!" reiterated the National Park Service.
