When we were in Yellowstone, the squirrels were suicidal. They would run across the road in front of cars. I think it might have been a right of passage. If you make it across you are now an adult or win over the lady.

In Georgia, I am learning it’s not the squirrels but the suicidal turtles.

First suicide attempt was at Reed Bingham State Park in southern Georgia near the Florida state line. This gopher tortoise was actually moving pretty fast across the road to get to his burrow. Problem was that multiple vehicles were coming. Needless to say. I jumped off my bike stood in front of the turtle hoping to prevent squashing. The cars drove around us. Then, I tried to convince the turtle to continue going.

At High Falls State Park located just south of Atlanta, it was raining all day so I decided it would be a good day to grocery shop. On the way out of the park, a yellow eared slider turtle was in the middle of the road. Basking in the water and I think trying to warm up on the blacktop.

I jumped out of the car to hopefully save another turtle. The next thing I see is a big truck and large 5th wheel winding down the hill…

At High Falls, the park roads are narrow and hard for a trailer to maneuver in normal conditions. Trying to not kill a turtle who did not want to cooperate wasn’t an easy task.

The turtle did not want to move. I ended up pushing him with my foot to the center of the road so the truck, 5th wheel trailer and car could drive over him. I would not have place a bet on this turtle in a race. He would have most likely placed last and still be waiting around.

Good news both turtles survived. Hopefully other people will stop to help them next time they have suicidal actions.

If you or your turtle are having suicidal thoughts or feelings, dial 988 to reach the suicide and crisis lifeline.