Drivers urged to be on alert for slow-moving turtles

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County reminds drivers to watch for turtles on the roads as the reptiles become more active in the spring.

From April through October, turtles cross roads in search of water, food, mates or nests. Female crossings increase in particular from mid-May to mid-July as the turtles make their way to and from nesting sites.

"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," so adult females looking for nesting sites can cross roads a good distance from bodies of water.

Despite their hard shells, turtles cannot protect themselves from vehicles they encounter on the way. The loss of one adult turtle can be significant because at least 90% of adults must survive each year to sustain a population. If the rate drops below this number the population will be in decline.

For instance, if a 30-year-old female Blanding's turtle dies, it's more than the loss of one individual. A Blanding's turtle can lay a dozen or more eggs each year and live to be 70 or 80, so the loss of that one female can mean 500 fewer eggs for the overall population. Since hatchlings have low survival rates, adults are needed to ensure enough young are produced to sustain the population.

"Turtles are not able to move quickly to avoid a car, so it's up to drivers to avoid hitting them," Thompson said. "Car horns and flashing lights will have no effect on turtles; they simply can't move any faster to get out of the way. Drivers need to pay attention and do what they can to avoid hitting these animals."

Motorists can avoid turtles simply by following the rules of the road. Focus on driving, don't speed or tailgate, and stay off the phone. Leave plenty of room between cars so turtles can be seen.

Drivers should never place themselves or others in danger by stopping abruptly on busy roads.

DuPage County is home to a variety of native turtle species, including musk, snapping, eastern spiny soft-shell, common map, painted and the state-endangered Blanding's.

Roads near lakes, ponds and marshes can be turtle-crossing hot spots, so it helps to be particularly vigilant while driving in these areas.

Such areas will be active outside of nesting season as males and females may be crossing to access other foraging areas or searching for mates throughout the growing season.

Anyone who finds an injured turtle should consult the forest preserve district's Willowbrook Wildlife Center at 525 S. Park Blvd. in Glen Ellyn.

The center cares for injured native wildlife in DuPage County and strives to return them to the wild. Employees and volunteers are available to answer questions from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at (630) 942-6200. After hours, an automated system provides information.