Why Did the Turtle Cross the Road?

     To get to the other side.  The dirt is always better on the other side and when a turtle is looking for a place to bury its eggs it needs a good spot.  On a walk the other morning I saw 3 disturbed turtle nests.  I’m pretty sure the neighborhood fox has had some eggs for breakfast the past few mornings.  While there isn’t much I can do about protecting the future turtles I can help the mommas and so can you!

Associated Press – June 12, 2010 6:04 AM ET

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Wildlife managers are asking Minnesota drivers to give turtles a brake.

This is the time when female turtles move from lakes, streams and wetlands to their nesting areas. Unfortunately, roads separate many of those nesting areas from the turtles’ winter homes.

Carol Hall, herpetologist for the Department of Natural Resources, says many turtles are killed on roads each year, especially during the nesting season.

If people see a turtle on the road, they should slow down and drive around it. While many people want to help turtles cross, the DNR says the best approach is to let them cross unassisted. If it’s necessary to help, move them across roadways in as direct a line as safely possible.

Minnesota has nine turtle species, some of which are protected.

 

Online:

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/reptiles_amphibians/turtles/index.html