Watch out for turtles and bears

Wildlife experts warn the public to be aware of turtles on roadways. And if you see a bear in the area, stay calm and don’t bother it.

May through July is nesting season for turtles, so it’s common to see male turtles out and about searching for a mate. As spring turns into summer, more females begin to venture out as they look for suitable nesting sites to lay their eggs.

A Fairfax County news release advises residents who see a turtle in the road to gently pick it up and move it to a safe place in the direction it was heading, allowing it to continue its journey. If necessary, use a car mat or a piece of cardboard to slide the turtle safely across the road without damaging its underside.

“Although it may seem unusual to see turtles far from water, this behavior is completely natural,” the county explains. “What is unnatural are the roads, curbs and neighborhoods that now intersect their long-established migratory routes. These slow-moving reptiles are simply following paths they have likely used for many years.”

Use caution if you encounter a snapping turtle, avoid the head area, and never lift it by the tail or attempt to get it to bite onto an object to drag it.

Black bears occasionally pass through Fairfax County in the warmer months and have even been spotted inside the beltway.

Bears usually wander into residential areas as they search for food after waking up from hibernation. Bears avoid people, but might be tempted to enter a backyard if they smell food. Bears attracted to bird feeders, garbage, outdoor pet food, compost piles, fruit trees, beehives, and berry-producing shrubs can cause property damage.

Take these steps to avoid problems with bears:

• Secure garbage in bear-resistant trash cans or store it in a secure building.
• If you have trash collection service, put your trash out the morning of the pickup, not the night before.
• Do not store household trash, or anything that smells like food, in vehicles or on porches or decks.
• Remove bird feeders if a bear is in the area and keep them down for three to four weeks.
• Keep your grill clean. Do not dump drippings in your yard.
• Don’t put meat scraps in your compost pile.
• Keep pet food indoors.

If you see a bear in a tree or on your property, keep your distance and give it a clear escape route. Never run from a bear, as that could prompt a chase.

Related story: Leave that fawn alone

If the bear sees you, back away slowly while facing it. If a bear huffs, clacks its teeth, moans, growls or stomps the ground, it is showing you it is uncomfortable and warning you that you are too close.

It’s illegal to feed bears in Virginia.

Report bear conflicts to the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 855-571-9003.