Home / Environment / Beware: Turtle Nesting Season on Wisconsin Roads
Beware: Turtle Nesting Season on Wisconsin Roads
27 May
Summary
- Female turtles seek nesting sites, increasing road risks.
- Reporting turtle sightings aids population tracking.
- Assist turtles crossing roads only when safe.
As of May 27, 2026, Wisconsin drivers are advised to exercise caution due to increased turtle activity on roads. This phenomenon is linked to the annual nesting season, which typically occurs in late May and early June.
Female turtles emerge to find suitable nesting locations, leading them to cross roadways. This period presents significant dangers for adult turtles, particularly females, and their nests. Conservation biologists emphasize the critical need to protect these turtles for the health of Wisconsin's turtle populations.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages the public to report turtle sightings online. These reports help the agency monitor population trends, identify critical crossing areas, and pinpoint nesting grounds across the state.
Drivers can contribute by slowing down and being vigilant, especially when near lakes, rivers, or wetlands. For those willing to go further, the DNR provides instructions for building protective nest cages to safeguard nests from predators while allowing hatchlings to emerge safely.
