Snaping turtles appear at London Man’s house for annual ride for Temes River

A shrinking turtle at the front door is not a regular phenomenon for most London, but at Allen Graham’s home, it occurs almost every year.

When someone showed him three days ago on his porch, he did what he always does: he set the turtle into his wheelbro and brought him to his destination.

Graham stays away from Kilani Road in Northeast London. On one side of his house is the Highbury Wetlands trail and on the other, Tems River. Every summer, turtles move out of the ponds with a footpath, crossing the busy road and make a slow trek under the river. He must have always taken only one route, Graham said, but the growing residential neighborhood in the area has become confusing obstacles in his way. Therefore, when they show their porch looking lost, they said that they want to help.

He said, “The first year of this year seemed so dehydrated, it seemed that it was there for hours.” “I thought,” I will take it to the river as soon as possible. “

The very first encounter Graham was about 15 years ago with one of the staggering turtles when he heard a scratch noise at his door. Nervous, but determined, he put thick gloves, followed it and safely picked it up.

“Every time you go to take it, it really just snaps, and it happens so fast that it shakes the whole body,” he said. “It’s very scary.”

After years of experience, Graham said he does not hesitate. He simply catches the turtle, sets it in his wheelbro and tries his best to stay behind it all the time.

Until some time ago, it looked the same tortoise, which was coming back year -door, as it was large and recognizable -two feet long and about 30 pounds. But so far this year, two young people have shown it instead. Of course, he also found a free ride in Graham’s wheelbro.

“I feel bad that we are imposing their normal routes and their lives in a way,” he said. “Other animals also, like deer and wild turkey and beats, they are all in the area and they have all had to adjust because of us.”

Graham prefers to share pictures and videos of online turtles and people are always happy that another has safely created it, he said, especially the Kilani Road busy and busy.

Unfortunately, not every trip to make it across the road, he said, remembering a year when a car was hit. He said that he would like to see drivers more vigilant in this area.

“Make sure you slow down if you see a turtle coming and stop completely,”