LETTERS: TURTLES SHOULD BE LEFT IN THE WILD

To the editor:

"Leave Turtles IN the Wild; Don't Pick Them Up." This is from a recent MiniPage in the Southeast Missourian. It is also the credo being taught out children by teachers, conservationists, naturalists and environmentalists. But not by our Riverfest promoters.

Undisturbed, some turtles live to be 50 to 75 years old. But few are that lucky. The swamps, marshes and rivers where turtles make their homes are being rapidly altered, thus eliminating their basking and nesting areas. Many cannot adjust to the rapidly changing areas. In addition to the environmentally caused losses, lawn mowers and road crossings take their toll. Many of Missouri's turtles are on the rare and endangered species list. Only those lucky enough to still have a rural natural habitat have a possible chance of surviving.

Turtles do not mature and start reproducing at an early age as do most animals, so their numbers can diminish very quickly if fewer and fewer make it to that age. With these facts in mind, I was reading in your June 14 edition about the "Stable of turtles" that had been collected in preparation for the events at Riverfest. Of the 36 entered, I wonder how many were returned to the exact spot from where they were taken. Turtles search long and carefully to find a precise nesting spot or home, so to unconscionably yank one from its environment is not an excusable act, especially in the midst of their active season which extends from mid-March to October.

Our children are being taught the proper thing by educators saying, "Unless necessary, do not disturb the wildlife," while they are being enticed to do differently by Riverfest promoters. Previously when I have voiced concern over this, I was told, "It's a good draw for the festival." One would be led to believe the success or failure of Riverfest rests on the backs of these turtles.

Not only does this activity take place here, but also in many other areas watching us to see what they can promote at their events. Cape has been the leader in so many good things. I think it's now time to be a leader in stopping this destructive practice and this destructive learning. The challenge to find an alternative for children or family fun could be turned into an activity itself. In Barrington, R.I., where the diamondback terrapin is the official town animal, fifth grader Kate McClarmont created an exhibit about the endangered terrapin and the pollution problem it faced in a local river. She designed and sold "Protect the Terrapin" T-shirts to make money for terrapin research. To get other kids interested in her project, she circulated petitions in local schools.

If a fifth grader can understand and take action, can't Cape?

GYNEL NICKELL

Cape Girardeau