The yearly invasion of Diamondback Terrapins (turtles) on the runways at JFK Airport this weekend! Nobody is sure exactly why they come. Aircraft got briefly delayed as the runway was shut down.
Biologists such as Francoeur and her assistant, Melissa Zostant, a Hofstra University Master’s candidate writing her thesis on why the turtles prefer JFK, believe the likely reason the turtles come ashore from Jamaica Bay is because of the sandy soil, which is above the high tide line.
“I think the terrapins also are attracted to Joco Marsh and the area surrounding the airport for the food and habitat provided. They then nest at JFK since that’s the closest land that appears to have good nesting habitat – sandy, loose soil,” she said.
Read full story: https://portfolio.panynj.gov/2016/07/21/jfk-international-airport-terrapin-adventures-on-runway-4l/
I brake for terrapins! RT @BiologistDan
— Lela Nargi (@LelaNargi) July 9, 2017
There may be delays at #JFK. Please allow extra time and contact your airline. [85]
— Kennedy Airport (@JFKairport) July 8, 2017
