Community Corner
Bel Air Turtle Derby Moves Slowly, Smoothly
Wildlife advocates are hoping the 2013 Bel Air Fourth of July Turtle Derby was the last.
The Bel Air Turtle Derby went on without a hitch on the Fourth of July, despite a push from animal advocates to cancel the event.
This year, wildlife advocates urged the Bel Air Independence Day Committee and event sponsors to cancel the turtle derby and frog jumping contest due to health hazards impacting reptiles, amphibians and humans.
>>See story: Wildlife Advocates Push To End Bel Air Turtle Derby, Frog Jump
For one man at Thursday's event, keeping the tradition alive is important.
"I think it's crazy." Michael Douglass said of canceling the event. "We respect these turtles."
Douglass, a Whiteford resident, said he and his family have participated in the Bel Air Turtle Derby 16 years and always release the turtles back where they came from.
"We're very conscientious."
Members of the Susquehanna Wildlife Society were at the derby taking pictures and helping event organizers keep turtles safe, one member of the group told Patch.
Be sure to check out the video and photos below.
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