There’s a Turtle Crossing the Road.
What do I do?
Turtles are frequently hit by cars while crossing roads. If you see a turtle crossing the road, please help it across. First, make sure that it’s safe to help (do not endanger yourself or others by walking into heavy traffic). Move the turtle in the direction that it is traveling (this is not necessarily toward the water). Turtles know where they are going and will turn around and march right back into traffic if you return them to the side of the road they came from. Small turtles can be easily carried across the road. Large snapping turtles should be carefully carried by the rear of their shell, or both rear legs, with the head facing away from your body. Do not pick up a turtle by the tail; this may damage the vertebrae.
Why do turtles go onto roads?
Turtles will move from one body of water to another throughout the year, but most turtles encountered on roadways are females during the nesting season in May and June. Turtles often have to cross roads during these movements.
There’s a turtle in my yard, digging a hole. What do I do?
Occasionally, female turtles will lay their eggs in a yard or driveway. This happens most often in May and June. Don’t be alarmed. There is no need to artificially incubate the eggs or move them. Try not to disturb the female turtle, and she will leave when finished.
Links – Please click below
for more information:
Lake Jackson Ecopassage – Florida built a fencing and culvert system to help their turtles.
PDF – Images and features of the turtle species found in MN.
The MN DNR has put together a lot of helpful information.
PDF – MN Roadways and Turtles
PDF – Help a Turtle! – How to help a turtle cross the road or care for one found injured.