As spring warms up Missouri’s roads, motorists may spot more than just blooming flowers and green trees—they might encounter turtles on the move. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is urging drivers to be cautious and “give turtles a brake” this season.
During warm and wet conditions, turtles emerge from their winter burrows in search of food, mates, and nesting areas, often leading them to cross roadways. Unfortunately, thousands of turtles—especially box turtles—are killed each year by vehicles.
Common species seen on the roads include the three-toed box turtle, ornate box turtle, red-eared slider, painted turtle, Mississippi mud turtle, and snapping turtle. Young males often travel the farthest, sometimes up to six miles, while females frequently cross roads to find safe nesting spots.
Turtles, being cold-blooded animals, are often found on warm asphalt during cool spring days as they seek heat from their surroundings. Vehicle collisions remain one of the top threats to their survival in Missouri.
MDC encourages drivers to slow down and be alert for turtles. If it is safe to do so, motorists can help a turtle cross the road by moving it in the direction it was headed—never back in the direction it came from.
The public is also reminded to leave turtles in the wild. Removing turtles from their natural habitat to keep as pets greatly reduces their chances of survival and disrupts the local ecosystem.
For more information about Missouri’s turtles, visit the MDC Field Guide at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Bc/
