GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – If you’re driving near a wetland habitat this month, keep a close eye out for slow movers on the road – and we’re not talking about people with out-of-state license plates.
The Wisconsin DNR is asking drivers to be turtle-aware over the next few weeks, as female turtles are beginning to lay eggs for the summer. Conservation Biologist Andrew Badje says turtles tend to hit the roads once Memorial Day traffic clears out.
“Be cautious on the roads and make sure that you are aware of turtles that are crossing, and being safe and maybe not driving over them,” Badje told WTAQ News. “If you are going to help turtles cross the road, put them on the side they were crossing towards. They keep going where they want to go, so if you put them on the wrong side of the road, they’re just going to try crossing again, so you’re doing a lot more harm than if you just let them cross.”
If you’re hoping to help a turtle safely navigate the road, Badje says to carefully pull over and turn your vehicle’s flashing warning lights on. It’s also important to avoid grabbing a turtle’s tail, especially heavier turtles like snapping turtles, as it can damage their spine.
If you’re noticing turtles nesting on your property, Badje says to check out their Wisconsin Turtle Conservation Program.
“The public can help protect them, especially if people are noticing turtles nesting on their lawns or driveways or really any of their property,” Badje said.
Anywhere that has a wetland type of habitat, such as areas of northern Green Bay, will more than likely have heavy turtle traffic over the coming weeks.
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