One of the most wonderful aspects of spring is the refreshing energy of new life. But with that rise, the risk to regional wildlife increases as well, putting many species in harm’s way as their paths and purposes interface with ours.

While it’s not always possible to avoid harming one of the mammals, reptiles, amphibians, or birds that share our lives in the Upper Delaware River region, there are things you can do to help minimize negative impacts to the well-being of wildlife.

Native turtles are actively migrating to nesting areas through June as they seek sandy areas or loose soil to lay their eggs. The loss of a breeding female can significantly affect the local population, as it may take more than 10 years for a turtle to reach breeding age, and they lay only one small clutch of eggs per year. All 11 species of land turtles that are native to New York are declining, according to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation.

Watch for turtles while driving, and if you are able to safely stop your vehicle, most turtles can be carefully relocated to the shoulder of the road in the direction in which they were facing. Use extreme caution if attempting to move a snapping turtle, as this species can inflict a damaging bite. And NEVER pick up a turtle by its tail, which can cause serious harm to the turtle.

Visit www.dec.ny.gov/animals/277.html for more information.

Another animal affected by our actions is the white-tailed deer and its offspring. Road encounters can often be avoided by watching for fawns following behind their mothers as they move about.

In addition, many of us mistake a solitary fawn for one that has been abandoned. That is usually not the case, as the mother is often foraging nearby. According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, some wildlife employ a natural defensive tactic called the “hider strategy,” where young animals remain motionless and “hide” in surrounding cover while adults draw the attention of potential predators away from their young. Resist the impulse to interfere with this natural process. It is best to leave young wildlife alone, in their natural setting.