Turtles on the Move!
Long Island is home to several species of land & aquatic turtles. This time of year, males travel long distances in search of a mate and females travel to specific locations to nest and lay their eggs. In order to reach their destination, turtles often cross busy roads.
If you find a turtle crossing the road:
- put on your hazard lights to alert other drivers to slow down
- if cars are stopped and the turtle is moving, allow it to cross the road on its own
- if needed, gently pick up the turtle and move it across the road in the direction it was facing
- if the turtle is injured, place it inside a cardboard box or other secure container and call our Hotline: 516-674-0982
Upcoming events
July is a very busy month for our education department! We have a number of library programs open to local patrons. We may be coming to a library near you! For more information, click on the name of the programs below!
Franklin Square Library
July 1st 3-4pm
Meet the Animals
Longwood Library Middle Island
July 8th 2-3pm
Living with Wildlife
Glen Cove Public Library
July 10th 11am-12pm
Radical Reptiles
Cold Spring Harbor Library
July 17th 6:30pm-7:30pm
Raptors of Long Island
Oyster Bay Library
July 20th 11am-12pm
Meet the Animals
Patchogue-Medford Library
July 22nd 10:30am-11:30am
Meet the Animals
Huntington Public Library
July 26th 3-4pm
Meet the Animals
West Hempstead Public Library
July 29th 5:30pm-6:30pm
Meet the Animals
Northport-East Northport Public Library
July 30th 3-4pm
World of Wildlife
Patient Spotlight
Ring-billed Gull Rescue
This Ring-billed Gull was in desperate need of rescue after it became entangled with a fishing lure. The barbed hook from the lure pierced the bird’s nare (nostril) and upper palate of the mouth and the heavy metal lure hung from its beak. Our rehabilitators were able to carefully cut the three-pronged hook and gently remove it from the bird’s nare and mouth. The bird received medication and supportive care and was able to make a full recovery and eventual release back to the wild.
Improperly discarded fishing gear poses a huge threat to wildlife. At our Center, we see many species of birds that have become entangled in fishing line and/or pierced with hooks that get stuck in their mouth, trachea, or GI tract. Constriction injuries from fishing line can result in a loss of function in toes or limbs or amputation in severe cases. Wounds from fishing hooks are often infected and cause a great deal of pain and extensive injuries.
If you find an animal entangled in fishing gear: please do not attempt to free and release the animal. These animals often require extensive wound care and medications before they are fully healed and ready to return to the wild.
