Turtles On The Tarmac Close Down Runway At New York's JFK Airport
June 29 2011, Published 1:10 p.m. ET
Move over Steven Slater: A group of turtles slowly migrating toward their breeding ground temporarily halted traffic at busy New York transportation hub JFK Airport on Wednesday.
The turtles caused Runway 4L to temporarily cease operations, while workers cleared the shelled show-stoppers from the runway.
Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Arlene Salac told the NY Post the turtles may have caused “a few delays, but nothing significant."
"Running over turtles is not healthy for them nor is it good for our tires," JetBlue said in a a statement
It's not the first time this sort of thing has happened, as female turtles who live in nearby Jamaica Bay crawl out to lay their eggs during their breeding season.
"The sandy spot on the other side of Runway 4L is ideal for egg laying," John Kelly, a spokesman for the Port Authority, told the paper. "It is a naturally provided turtle maternity ward.
- 'Diddy' Heard for First Time Behind Bars During Emotional Birthday Call: Jailed Rapper Praises His Kids' 'Strength'
- Joe Exotic Dumps Fiancé: Caged Tiger King Star Proposed to 33-Year-Old Jailed Mexican Gangbanger Lover Behind Bars
- Tragic One Direction Singer Liam Payne Dead Aged 31 After Horror Hotel Balcony Plunge: Celeb Tributes Pour In as Images Emerge of Smashed Up Hotel Room Strewn With White Powder and 'Drugs Foil'
DAILY. BREAKING. CELEBRITY NEWS. ALL FREE.
Puppy Love: Stars and Their Dogs
"When your airport is virtually surrounded by water, your neighbors sometimes come in the hard shell variety."
RELATED STORIES:
CONTROVERSY: Pink Slams Selena Gomez Over Pink Horses