By Kimberly Bird

Springtime provides the perfect opportunity for enjoying the outdoors and taking in nature and wildlife in our community. Recently, however, several crawling creatures from a nearby farm pond located just outside the Sugar Groves area of VOWS have ventured into our midst. Snapping turtles plugging along down the sidewalk (or even in the middle of the street) have been spotted along Vienna Apple, Lamington, Carrotwood, Crumbcake, and Angel Food streets.

With school soon ending many more neighborhood children will retreat to the outdoors. With the naturally preserved areas and nearby open fields, nature and man often find themselves co-existing in Woodland Springs. Happening upon a turtle often does not provoke panic. One might even assume a misplaced turtle is an escaped pet or a timid visitor from one of our nature reserves. While some of these creatures can be handled and enjoyed, others are capable of delivering a painful and harmful bite. Children should seek an adult anytime they encounter a turtle. Remind children to never pick up or approach a turtle - - it could be a snapper.