Watch Out For Turtles On Roadways: Conservation District

Press release from McHenry County Conservation District:

June 11, 2020

McHenry County Conservation District is reminding drivers to be on the lookout for turtles crossing the roads, as they become more active in the spring. From April through October turtles cross roads in search of water, food, mates or nesting locations. Female crossings increase from mid-May to mid-July as the turtles make their way to and from nesting sites. Some turtles may travel up to a mile to find just the right conditions.

Despite their hard shells, turtles cannot protect themselves from vehicles they may encounter on the way.

“Turtles are not able to move quickly to avoid a car, so we hope drivers can be more aware and try to avoid hitting these animals,” said Wildlife Resource Center Manager Sara Denham. McHenry County is home to a variety of native turtle species, including musk, common snapping, spiny softshell, painted and Blanding's.

Anyone who finds an injured turtle should consult the Conservation District’s Wildlife Resource Center, 815-728-8307. The center cares for injured turtles and strives to return them to the wild.

• Advice if you see a turtle trying to cross the road: Gradually slow down. If the safest option is to keep going, try to straddle the turtle with the vehicle's tires if possible. If there is plenty of room on the shoulder, and you can safely pull over, turn on your hazard lights to alert other motorists.
• Make sure you have plenty of time with a big break in traffic before approaching the turtle. Cars approach faster than you think and drivers, especially distracted ones, are not expecting to see someone in the middle of the road.
• Notice which way the turtle is facing and move it to that side of the road. If you move it to the side it started from, it will only try to cross again later. Do not take it to a “better location”. Turtles have territories and will want to return home.
• If necessary, pick up the turtle (except snappers and softshells) gently along the shell edge near the mid-point of the body. Beware: many turtles empty their bladder when lifted off the ground, so be careful not to drop them. For snapping turtles, handle with a rubber floor mat, a stick or a snow shovel. All turtles can bite and scratch and are surprisingly quick, so handle one as little as possible. If it's a snapping turtle, you may want to avoid it altogether. Most turtles will likely retreat into their shells, but a scared snapper will defend itself.
• If you keep a shovel in your car or have a floor mat, gently slip it under the turtle and scoot it across the road. If there's a sturdy branch nearby, you can try to use it to gently push the animal along.

For information, call 815-728-8307 or visit MCCDistrict.org where you can also link to the District's e-newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

This press release was produced by McHenry County Conservation District. The views expressed here are the author's own.