Tips For Turtle Crossing Season: DuPage Forest Preserve District

DUPAGE COUNTY, IL — It's springtime, which means DuPage County is in the midst of turtle mating and nesting season. As such, it's also more common to see turtles crossing the road between mid-May and mid-July, according to the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, so drivers should use extra caution.

The district offers the following tips for what to do if you see a turtle in the middle of the road and plan to move it. They recommend you only move the turtle if you are sure it is safe to do so. Otherwise, carefully drive around the turtle.

• Slow down gradually, pull to the shoulder and put on your hazard lights
• Make sure absolutely no traffic is coming
• Gently slip a floor mat or shovel under the turtle and scoot it across the road in the same direction it is heading
• Handle turtles as little as possible because they can bite and scratch. Snapping turtles should be avoided altogether

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Ecologist Dan Thompson said in a statement, "Turtles are not able to move quickly to avoid a car, so it’s up to drivers to avoid hitting them. Car horns and flashing lights will have no effect on turtles; they simply can’t move any faster to get out of the way. Drivers need to pay attention and do what they can to avoid hitting these animals.”

Drivers who are traveling near ponds, lakes and marshlands should be particularly watchful for turtles. According to the DuPage County Forest Preserve District, you can make sure turtles stay safe by paying attention to the road, driving the speed limit and leaving the appropriate distance between your car and other vehicles.

In DuPage County, you might encounter snapping turtles, in addition to eastern spiny softshell, common map, and painted turtles. DuPage County is also home to Blanding's turtles, which are considered to be endangered in Illinois.

If you come across an injured turtle, you should contact the Willowbrook Wildlife Center at 630-942-6200.