by Ethan Dornfeld
Ahh, the beautiful weather of spring has arrived again. The warmth reminds us that summer is approaching, a season of relaxation. But the spring season excites the animals too. Spring is a time when many animals awake from hibernation and many animals give birth.
Since more and more land is being lost to construction and fenced in properties, keeping our native critters away from their homes, there is an increase of animals running into the roads in search of food and shelter. Since many high schoolers are just learning to drive, it is particularly important to be cautious this time of year.
As a volunteer with the Wildlife Rescue Center in Hampton Bays, the only wildlife hospital on the East End of Long Island, I have rescued and helped many injured animals during the spring. Baby squirrels and baby opossums often end up at the Center because their mothers are killed crossing roads to find food. Eastern box turtles come out of hibernation, and since they are slow moving animals, often get hit by cars. If you see an Eastern Box Turtle slowly crossing a road, and it is safe to do so, you can help it by picking the turtle up and moving it to safety. The turtle needs to be placed in the direction it is heading otherwise the turtle will turn around and cross the road in the direction it was originally going. Even though it is easy to catch these turtles, it is illegal to keep them or any other wildlife as pets. In addition, I have also seen owls and birds that have been stuck in fences or have flown into cars with wings so damaged they could never fly again.
So, when you are out driving or you are a passenger in a car and you see an animal on or near the road, keep in mind these animals matter and everything on this planet has a purpose. If you accidentally injure an animal, or notice one that is hurt or looks sick, please contact the Wildlife Rescue Center at (631) 728-4200 and they will send someone to rescue the animal and bring it to the Center. The Wildlife Rescue Center will do everything in its power to treat and rehabilitate these animals so they can be released back into our community when they are able to survive on their own in the wild. Drive safely for you, other people, and the animals.