Saving the Eastern Box Turtle

Wildlife has always been a part of Douglas County, whether its squirrels and native birds in the backyard to deer trotting across the road. Nowadays wildlife in the backyard is becoming an increasing sight as many new subdivisions are being constructed in forested areas. Rapid growth of real estate development has shrunk the natural habitat where these animals reside, forcing wildlife to move elsewhere.

With the rise in population come more vehicles on the road, therefore animal fatalities on roadways are likely to increase. All animals are subject to this death, but for one New Jersey native and Carroll County resident, Laura Mostello is during her part to save the smallest of wildlife in Douglas County – the Eastern Box Turtle.

Laura moved here to the South after a job offer became available in Atlanta, but a year later the opportunity fell through. In her three months of unemployment she became concerned about the mortality rate of the Eastern Box Turtle in Douglas County and decided to take a stand to help protect a beloved species of Georgia. Each morning would start out as a twenty-five mile drive to Sweetwater Creek State Park to find turtles on Mount Vernon Road.

When Laura did come across a turtle in the road, she would pull over, take a picture of the turtle, document the sex, and then carry the turtle to a safe spot. Sometimes she would come across box turtles that were run over. Even then Laura would try to find out something about the turtle before moving the body elsewhere.

Months of documentation by Laura have resulted in high deaths of female turtles around Sweetwater Creek State Park. The likeliest scenario is that the females were crossing the road in search for a nesting place. Park officials are aware of the problem, but their response was that they could do nothing about it. Part of the problem is private property issues and a lack of control to prevent turtles from crossing the road.

One success story by Laura is she came across a turtle on Post Road that had been hit by car and was upside down on its shell. Luckily the turtle survived the hit but needed aid. Taking the initiative, Laura drove the injured turtle to the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell where the turtle received surgery. Three weeks later the turtle was released into the wild to live another day.

Laura’s efforts have turned into an obsession that she shares with others all the time. For now her short-term goal is to raise awareness in the community and save as many lives as possible. People are listening and making efforts of their own to rescue these small creatures. Other turtles and aquatic life need not to be forgotten as well.

As development sweeps through Douglas County, the natural habitat for the Eastern Box Turtle and other wildlife slowly diminishes. Many people are concerned about traffic, schools, a new jail and the quality of life, but the destruction of natural habitats should be considered as a priority. The next time you come across a turtle, take the time to save a life instead of ignoring one.

I would like to thank Laura Mostello for e-mailing the Losing Georgia Project about her story and making it possible for everyone to read. The local newspapers would not print her story, but Losing Georgia is proud to, letting the community know how important the subject of saving wildlife really can be. If you have a story, please contact the Losing Georgia Project, we are more than happy listen.

One Response to “Saving the Eastern Box Turtle”

1. Lauren C Ragsdale
   

   Hi Laura this is Lauren Ragsdale. I’m from the West Ga Animal Wealthfair League. I wanted to know if u still needed help…You gave me your phone number but it hasn’t rained yet… Any who, if you still need help can you just e-mail me at imacowirl@aol.com

   Thank u ;

   Lauren Ragsdale

   March 13th, 2007 at 8:37 pm