Recently, a couple, carrying a big cardboard box, appeared at Rayner Refuge. In the box was a Diamondback Terrapin, a young one that had none of the markings that volunteers use to identify individuals.

Tony and Linda McCormack were driving on County Road, just south of the White Church when they saw a car swerve in front of them. The veering car revealed a turtle in the middle of the road. 

The McCormacks carefully slowed down, retrieved the turtle, and returned home to find a box to put it in. Having read about the Diamondback Terrapin research team in the Times, they knew to bring it to the refuge at Nockum Hill.

The research team marked the terrapin #432, measured and photographed her. The McCormacks, residents of Pine Top Road were deemed true heroes by the research team. They carried the terrapin down the hill and released her into the water. The terrapin was about 8 to 10 years old and very likely attempting to nest for the very first time. The hope is that she will return to the refuge at Nockum Hill, a much safer place to nest.

Suggestions have been made that a “Caution –turtle crossing” sign be posted on the Wampanoag Trail and County Road; however, there is a concern is that some drivers may suddenly slow down and put the lives of other drivers at risk. 

A few years ago, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation put 600 feet of metal fencing attached to the guard rail on the trail; that undoubtedly saves many turtles, but does not prevent some terrapins from finding the end of the fencing. Two turtles did just that this year, tried to cross the four-lane highway and were run over.

— Reporting by Charlotte Sornborger, and Dick and Kathy Philips