Nesting Season: A Perilous Journey for Turtles

Summer marks the beginning of nesting season for several hundred turtle species, a critical and dangerous period in their lives.

Female turtles, both saltwater and freshwater varieties, undertake significant migrations to find ideal nesting grounds. These journeys, often following generational routes, are increasingly hazardous due to new roadways. Thousands of turtles perish annually from vehicle collisions as they attempt to cross these paths.

Saltwater turtles begin nesting in late May, returning to their hatching grounds to lay eggs, often requiring them to cross highways. Freshwater turtles also nest during the summer, typically ending their season by July, seeking areas with loose soil or sand.

When encountering a turtle on the road, drivers should pull over safely and use hazard lights. Gently assist the turtle by its rear shell, ensuring it moves in the direction it was already traveling to avoid repeat crossings. Never lift a turtle by its tail, and avoid placing it directly in water after crossing.

State programs, like Wisconsin's Turtle Conservation Program, highlight the severity of this issue. Experts recommend careful intervention to help these vulnerable reptiles, as few hatchlings survive to adulthood, and turtle populations are slow to recover.