Turtle Halts Traffic On Merritt Parkway

FAIRFIELD, CT — Drivers on the Merritt Parkway encountered an unusual roadblock Wednesday evening: a turtle, according to media reports.

A snapping turtle was trying to cross the northbound roadway about 7 p.m. in the Fairfield-Trumbull area, so motorists stopped and came to the animal’s aid, News12 and the Connecticut Post reported.

Snapping turtles are widespread in Connecticut, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, which said the animals can live for decades and weigh up to 35 pounds. While the turtles will only bite in defense, such bites can be painful and damaging, so people are advised to keep their distance and not touch the animals or pick them up, the department said.

Read more from News12 and the Connecticut Post.