DNR: Slow down, give turtles a brake this nesting season

WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is encouraging the public to slow down on roadways for turtles that are emerging from waterways to nest.

Wisconsin’s 11 turtle species lay eggs in shallow, buried nests from late May through June, where they are often seen along roads and in residential yards. Drivers can help reduce turtle road mortality – a leading cause of turtle decline throughout Wisconsin – by being cautious when driving near swamps, lakes and rivers.

“Nesting season is an important but risky time for turtles,” said Andrew Badje, Wisconsin DNR Conservation Biologist. “They’re more active and they face threats like road mortality while crossing roads and increased levels of predation from raccoons, skunks and coyotes. Some protected species are also taken from the wild and sold in the illegal pet trade, both in-state and overseas. Protecting adult females and turtle nests in the wild is essential for conserving Wisconsin’s turtles for future generations.”

Here are some ways DNR said Wisconsinites can help turtles from now through July:

• Protect nests: Follow instructions (tinyurl.com/3nry2vnb) and a step-by-step video on how to build a nest cage that keeps predators out and allows hatchlings to exit on their own (www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cv0XrZ82rGA).
• Drive cautiously: Slow down, be alert and reduce distractions, especially on roads near wet areas, lakes and rivers.
• Share your sightings: Report turtle observations, road crossings and nest sites using the DNR’s reporting form (tinyurl.com/4rjen7x5) to help DNR manage and protect turtles more effectively. You can also report suspicious illegal activity associated with turtles to the DNR’s Violation Hotline online at www.dnr.wisconsin.gov/contact/Hotline.html or by calling or texting 800-847-9367.
• Keep Wildlife Wild: Help protect Wisconsin’s native turtles by keeping wild turtles in the wild and not releasing pet turtles.
• Donate: DNR conservation efforts for endangered and threatened species wouldn’t be possible without support from the Endangered Resources Fund (tinyurl.com/dvmjemb3).

Learn more about turtles on the Wisconsin Turtle Conservation Program webpage at www.dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Wildlifehabitat/TurtleConservation.