Community Corner
Watch Out For Turtles On The Road This Spring
Focus on driving, don't speed, and leave plenty of room between cars so turtles can be seen.
DUPAGE COUNTY, IL — The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County reminds drivers to watch for turtles on the roads as these reptiles become more active in the spring. The forest preserve said from April through October turtles cross roads in search of water, food, mates or nests. Female crossings increase in particular from mid-May to mid-July as the turtles make their way to and from nesting sites.
“In order for their eggs to survive, turtles must find just the right spot for their nests,” District ecologist Dan Thompson said in a release. “Some turtles must travel up to a mile to find the right conditions.”
Despite their hard shells, turtles cannot protect themselves from vehicles they may encounter on the way, the preserve said. The loss of one adult turtle can be significant because at least 90 percent of adults must survive each year to sustain a population.
Find out what's happening in Darienfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Turtles are not able to move quickly to avoid a car, so it’s up to drivers to avoid hitting them,” Thompson said in a release. “Horns and flashing lights don’t faze them, so it’s up to attentive drivers to be aware and try to avoid hitting these animals.”
Motorists can avoid turtles simply by following the rules of the road. Focus on driving, don’t speed, and leave plenty of room between cars so turtles can be seen. Drivers should never place themselves or others in danger by stopping abruptly on busy roads.
Find out what's happening in Darienfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“In DuPage County, roads built near lakes, ponds and marshes can be turtle-crossing hot spots,” Forest Preserve District of DuPage County President Joe Cantore said in a release. “It’s important for us to be good stewards and do our part to help these animals.”
Anyone who finds an injured turtle should consult the Forest Preserve District’s Willowbrook Wildlife Center. The center cares for injured native wildlife in DuPage County and strives to return them to the wild. Employees and volunteers are available to answer questions daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 630-942-6200.
Photo provided by Forest Preserves of DuPage County.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
