Watch for turtles crossing roads
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County reminds drivers to watch for turtles on the roads as they become more active in the spring and summer.
Through October, turtles cross roads in search of water, food, mates or nests. Female crossings increase in particular mid-May to mid-July as the turtles make their way to and from nesting sites.
"In order for their eggs to survive, turtles must find just the right spot for their nests," district ecologist Dan Thompson said. "Some turtles must travel up to a mile to find the right conditions."
Despite their hard shells, turtles cannot protect themselves from vehicles they may encounter on the way.
"Turtles are not able to move quickly to avoid a car, so it's up to drivers to avoid hitting them," Thompson said. "Horns and flashing lights don't faze them, so it's up to attentive drivers to be aware and try to avoid hitting these animals.
"The district's Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn has already received a female Blanding's turtle that was hit on the road in April," he added. "These turtles are endangered, so even a single hit can have a large impact on their critically low populations."
If you see a turtle trying to cross the road:
• Never slam on your brakes; gradually slow down. If the safest option is to keep going, try to straddle the turtle with the vehicle's tires, if possible.
• If there's plenty of room on the shoulder and you can safely pull over, turn on your hazard lights to alert other motorists.
• Make sure you have plenty of time with a big break in traffic before approaching the turtle. Cars approach faster than you think and drivers, especially distracted ones, aren't expecting to see someone in the middle of the road.
• Notice which way the turtle is facing and move it to that side of the road. If you move it to the side it started from, it will only try to cross again later.
• All turtles can bite and scratch and are surprisingly quick, so handle one as little as possible. If it's a snapping turtle, you may want to avoid it altogether. Most turtles will likely retreat into their shells, but a scared snapper will defend itself.
• If you keep a shovel in your car or have a floor mat, gently slip it under the turtle and scoot it across the road. If there's a sturdy branch nearby, you can try to use it to push the animal along.
• If you use your hands, wear gloves if you have them and place one hand on either side of the turtle toward the back. Never pick one up by the tail; it's part of the spine and cannot support weight.
• Never move a turtle farther than the side of the road. Turtles are extremely territorial, and taking one to a new habitat - even a better one - can be harmfully disorienting.
DuPage County is home to a variety of native turtle species, including musk, snapping, eastern spiny softshell, common map, painted and Blanding's.
"In DuPage County, roads built near lakes, ponds and marshes can be turtle-crossing hot spots," Forest Preserve District of DuPage County President Joe Cantore said. "It's important for us to be good stewards and do our part to help these animals."
"Turtles are captivating critters and deserve our help, especially at this time of year," said Forest Preserve District Commissioner Linda Painter, District 3.
Anyone who finds an injured turtle should consult Willowbrook Wildlife Center, 525 S. Park Blvd., Glen Ellyn. The center cares for injured native wildlife and strives to return them to the wild. Employees and volunteers are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily to answer questions at (630) 942-6200. After hours, an automated system provides information.
"Every year Willowbrook admits several turtles that have been struck by cars, and though our animal-care staff may be able to treat cracked shells or minor injuries, many turtles never recover from the trauma," Willowbrook naturalist Stephanie Touzalin said.
"It's up to all of us on the roads to do what we can to make sure these fascinating animals can move around safely."