The number of turtles in Roberts Mill Park’s pond in Taneytown “has kind of exploded,” according to Mayor Chris Miller, disrupting the annual fishing derby earlier this month and disturbing the park’s normally serene setting.

“During our fishing derby, there was definitely a lot of trouble with the turtles going around, falling over the lines and whatnot,” Miller said.

The city is working with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and a wildlife management company to relocate the excess red-eared sliders, snapping turtles and painted turtles this weekend from the pond to places owned and managed by the wildlife management company. Only mature breeding turtles will be moved.

The Taneytown Parks & Recreation Department is asking park visitors to not approach wildlife management workers during the removal process, as doing so may cause additional stress to the turtles.

“There are still going to be turtles in the pond,”Miller said, “we’re just relocating the excess turtles.”

Those removed from the park, at 4501 Stumptown Road in Taneytown, “will be living their best life in another, much less populated and much less stressful location,” according to the parks and recreation department.

The overpopulation is the result of several years of turtles breeding, according to the parks and recreation department; the project and relocation crew are DNR-approved.

Roberts Mill Park “is one of the most beautiful serene parks in Taneytown,” according to the city. It includes 19.3 acres of green space, soccer or lacrosse fields with lighting, a basketball court, a fenced-in playground, a sand volleyball court, three picnic pavilions, restrooms, parking, and a lighted walking trail around the pond. The pond is fed by natural springs and is home to a variety of wildlife.

Have a news tip? Contact Thomas Goodwin Smith at thsmith@baltsun.com.