Help Protect Turtles With A 'Terrapin Crossing' Sign In Stafford

STAFFORD, NJ — A turtle crossing the road is a common sight in Ocean County. And unfortunately, so are cars running over turtles. But Stafford wants to help prevent that.

You can pick up a "Terrapin Crossing" sign at the Stafford Township Municipal Building (260 E Bay Ave) in the Mayor's Office / Administration Department on the second floor.

These signs read "Hit the brake for turtle's sake / terrapin crossing." They were provided by Dr. John Wnek and the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science.

In 2022, Stafford made the diamondback terrapin their official township reptile in order to encourage residents to be more aware of the creatures.

"I've noticed a lot more people protecting their nests, a lot more people - people in this room, actually - putting up signs. And I think I've seen fewer road fatalities," Mayor Greg Myhre recently said.

RELATED: Meet Stafford's New Official Township Amphibian

More and more turtles will be seen crossing busy roadways as we head into the summer, as they search for the perfect spot to lay their eggs.

Stay cautious and aware while driving, and if you see a turtle crossing, you can carefully pick it up by the sides of its shell and move it off the road in the direction it was heading.