Kentucky Fish and Wildlife talks sharing the road with critters this summer

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – Memorial Day weekend is quickly approaching, with many planning to drive to their long weekend destinations, and Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife discussed the importance of sharing the road with some of the state’s furrier friends.

Thomas Young, Green River Regional Coordinator for the department said there’s no shortage of critters that could be on the roadways this summer.

“So you’ve got many species reproducing; young fawns, turkey, poults, young squirrels, rabbits, you name it.”

Young said the animals of bigger concern are foxes, turtles and deer.

“So if you can just slow down, if at all possible, give the animal enough time to get across the roadway,” Young said. “That’s probably the best scenario, is just give them some space and give them some time.”

Young says if you can safely do so, it’s ok to move turtles from one side of the road to the other, but it’s important to remember they need to remain outdoors.

“Certain species, you’ve got to have permits, especially if you are going to try to keep those animals. You would have to check our regulations in terms of what you can and cannot possess in the state of Kentucky as well. So that’s a legal thing and a moral thing as well.

Young’s biggest tip for seeing wildlife on the road is to be sure to take it all in.

“It’s just a great time to just sort of sit back and observe. Be careful, slow down, and anticipate. I always tell my kids, they’re new young drivers now, anticipate what’s out in front of you. But in general, just enjoy the wildlife that we’ve been blessed with in the state.”

For more information and resources regarding wildlife in the state, visit the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website.

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