We all know why the chicken crossed the road — but do we know why the tortoise did?

A tortoise in the German city of Rodenkirchen, in North Rhine-Westphalia, tried to do just that on Monday when he headed out toward a busy highway.

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The tortoise, believed to be 70 years old, is in good health, officials said.<br data-cke-eol="1">
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The tortoise, believed to be 70 years old, is in good health, officials said.
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(Police NRW Cologne)

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The reptile, believed to be around 70 years old, was causing drivers to slam on their brakes to avoid hitting it, and soon police were called to the scene.

Described as a "sprightly senior," the tortoise "ignored other road users, blocked the road and did not let himself be unnecessarily rushed, consistently disregarding all traffic rules," according to Germany's The Local news outlet.

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Authorities rescued the creature, and brought it to an animal shelter. Investigators believe the tortoise was abandoned or happened to somehow escape from an enclosure after waking up from hibernation.

The tortoise remains in good health, officials said.