Winslow Homer paintings

Winslow Homer paintings
William Bouguereau paintings

Turtles aren't known for their speed and that's partly why scientists believe populations of the reptile are in serious decline.
For millions of years, the reptiles have been nearly invincible by growing hard shells that protect them wherever they go. When a predator approaches they can quickly retreat under their cover, safe from harm. Only a select few predators like the coyote and wolf are known to be able to crack through an adult turtle's armor.Then came the automobile.About one-third of U.S. turtle species are reaching dangerously low numbers — and in nearly every state of the nation at least one species of turtle is listed as threatened or endangered. Scientists believe the declining numbers may be caused by increasing traffic near their homelands."For the fleet of foot, like deer or rabbits, traffic is not as much of an issue," says James Gibbs, a conservation biologist at State University of New York in Syracuse. "But these ground-hugging animals are much