Slow down, watch for nesting turtles

Drivers and other members of the public are asked to help turtles by slowing down on roadways, reporting crossings and protecting nests during turtle nesting season.

With warmer weather upon us, female turtles are emerging from rivers, lakes and wetlands and heading to their nesting sites. Wisconsin’s 11 turtle species lay eggs in shallow, buried nests, often along roads and in residential yards.

Drivers can help reduce turtle road mortality — a leading cause of turtle decline throughout Wisconsin — by being mindful when driving near swamps, lakes and rivers.

The public can also help protect turtles by reporting sightings to the Wisconsin DNR’s Wisconsin Turtle Conservation Program.

Each year, the program receives between 600 and 1,000 turtle sightings from around the state. These reports help the DNR monitor the statewide distribution of Wisconsin’s turtles, identify significant turtle crossing hotspots and nesting areas and prioritize conservation efforts for all 11 species of native turtles.

“When turtles are more active during nesting season, they face added risks. Some are run over by vehicles, while others face predation from raccoons, skunks and coyotes,” said Andrew Badje, DNR conservation biologist. “Some protected species are also taken illegally from the wild and sold in the illegal pet trade.”

Badje added that protecting adult females and turtle nests in the wild is essential for conserving Wisconsin turtle populations.

To help turtles from now through July, the public should protect nests by building a nest cage to keep predators out and allow hatchlings to exit on their own. Instructions and other information can be found online at dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/turtleconservation.

Drivers are reminded to slow down, be alert and reduce distractions, especially on roads near wet areas, lakes and rivers. They also can report sightings through the website above, and report suspicious or illegal activity associated with turtles to the DNR’s violation hotline by calling 800-847-9367 or online.