06/10/2026
Turtle crossing season is here! 🐢
June is egg-laying season for Wisconsin’s 11 turtle species, which means female turtles are on the move searching for nest sites. This often means crossing roads, which is very dangerous for turtles. Road mortality is currently the leading cause of turtle decline in Wisconsin. Fortunately, you can help protect our turtles!
Drive with caution near swamps, rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. If you spot a turtle crossing, consider helping it across the road if it is safe for you to do so. Always move turtles in the direction they were initially heading, as they will simply try again if you return them to the side they started. Do not relocate turtles, as they often live in the same territory for decades and may not survive if moved to an unfamiliar location.
Turtles can and will try to defend themselves if you approach. If you do not feel comfortable picking up a turtle, you can use a stick or shovel, or even encourage the turtle to walk onto a floormat and then drag it across the road.
To help us understand turtle movements and develop conservation strategies, you can also report live or dead turtles to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Wildlifehabitat/TurtleConservation
