A Essay

I am Turtle Boy and my class and I would like to raise awareness of the Eastern Box Turtle; a species that we have interacted with at the Wildlife Center at Centennial Campus. The box turtle lives around Raleigh and the Lake Raleigh area and its population is decreasing. It may soon be added to the Endangered list. If it goes extinct it will most likely change the food chain and could end up with many more species going extinct by more extensive killing of other species by their natural predators. But my classmates and I have made three solutions to this crisis. One such solution is to check an area before construction for box turtles, so we may move turtles found, having them not be killed. Another is to put up signs of Turtles Crossing so that people will be more aware of turtles and reduce the amount of fatalities of turtles, such as one that we had found, Dan the Man. Another pardon we can give to this magnificent species is to increase the awareness of this species by sending letters to those with power, such as a Mayor or a Governor; maybe even Congress. My personal goal is to have congress make a sanctuary for this dying species; as well as other’s to be brought back. Box Turtles are running out of habitat to live in because of construction. How would you like it if someone destroyed much of your home, possibly even killing you or your family just so they could have a Burger King! What we are doing to the Eastern Box Turtles is… there is just one word to describe it, inhumane! One way to help the Eastern Box Turtle is to check an area before construction; because many Eastern Box Turtles ecosystem’s are being destroyed by urban development; just like homes around woods; or even just building a neighborhood Starbucks; you might be destroying a turtles home; and possibly killing it. I urge someone, anyone to help these creatures, by searching a site about to be developed for any Eastern Box Turtles. If you find any; you can relocate it to a safer place, like around Lake Raleigh, where we go to find Waldo every week. However, turtles that are relocated have a higher mortality rate than turtles that have always lived in the area. So if it is possible to be done; you can attempt to stop the development in the area, especially if there are many turtles in the area. One way we can help save the turtles is to save their habitat!
Another way to save the turtles is to put up turtle crossing signs; or to ask drivers to be more aware of the road ahead of them; in case a turtle; just like Dan the Man; a turtle Daniel; one of my classmates; had found. About a month after we had found him, we received some bad news. Dan the Man was crossing the road and was hit by a car; probably crushed. He did not have a chance. If drivers are more careful less of these deaths will happen. These are many ways to stop these deaths.
And last; but not at all least; you can help the Eastern Box Turtles by sending letters to those in power; or your local Newspaper to be placed in Letter’s to the Editor. Are class together has made 64 letters. Hopefully, all will reach someone. If more people are aware of the Eastern Box Turtle struggle in the battle of life; it is more likely that more people shall help with these three ways; or more. One other way is to adopt a box turtle from a local Petsmart or pet store; not only get a friend; but save a life. Remember; you can send the letter to the Newspaper, the Mayor, Governor, Congress, or even the President. When they become aware of this; they will surely help.
Thank you for reading this letter. Now that you know of the Eastern Box Turtle’s like Waldo, found injured near a road; and the deceased Dan the Man; I hope that you will help save the Eastern Box Turtles; just like us!
SincerelyTurtle Boy