Go Slow for Turtles!

Turtles have been living on our earth for more than 200 million years. They were here when the dinosaurs walked the earth. They did quite well until about 100 years ago until the automobile started becoming common. Turtle populations are now declining and road kill is one leading cause.

Turtles like all reptiles must lay their eggs on land. Late May through mid July, turtles look for high sunny ground in which to bury their eggs. It takes 2-3 months for the baby turtles to develop. Many of the turtles killed on our roads are females searching for nesting areas. Turtles do not reproduce until 10-12 years old and count on laying eggs for many years. Losing an adult female is a great loss to a turtle population.

We can all help our local turtles by driving slower and watching out for them on our local roads. Turtles do not jump out in front of cars like frogs and deer. Their usual strategy is to retreat into their shell until danger goes away. While that might work for a predator, it is useless when encountering a car.

First and foremost, think human safety first. Never swerve to avoid a turtle. If it is safe to stop, a turtle should be moved off the road in the direction it is headed. Turtles know where they are going! Moving them to a new location far away may mean death for the turtle. Turtles want to stay in their home range where they have lived for many years.

Even snapping turtles can be moved, but better by an experienced person. They act very aggressive on land because they have a very small bottom shell and cannot closeup in their shell. I have moved them by the rear of the shell (never the tail!) wearing gloves or one can use a snow shovel to guide them to the other side of the road.

If you have questions about your local turtles, I may be reached at madeleine.linck@gmail.com In the meantime, when you are near wetlands, please drive slow for turtles! Thank you.

Madeleine Linck