Turtle Hit By Vehicle Sparks Warning From Weston Animal Control

WESTON, CT — Weston Animal Control is urging drivers to slow down and stay alert after a large snapping turtle was struck by a vehicle and left injured along a local road Wednesday morning.

The department said it received a call around 7 a.m. after an officer found the injured turtle.

According to Weston Animal Control, the turtle had been hit by a vehicle, and the driver continued without stopping or reporting the incident.

Animal control described the snapping turtle as exceptionally large, saying it was "not a tiny turtle that someone could have easily missed."

"We have no idea how long this turtle laid on the side of the road in pain before it was found," the department wrote in a social media post.

Because of the severity of its injuries, the turtle was humanely euthanized, according to the department.

Weston Animal Control praised the responding police officer for contacting the department and used the incident as a reminder for drivers to exercise extra caution, particularly during Wednesday's rainy weather.

"If you hit an animal, please don't just keep driving," the department wrote. "Stop if it is safe to do so. Call your local police department or animal control. Let someone help."

The department said the message extends beyond wildlife, noting that distracted driving can also put pets and people at risk.