(Mankato, MN) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is asking drivers to slow down for migrating turtles.
According to the DNR, turtles are crossing roads to nest this time of year, and the department asks motorists to watch for them, and help them safely cross the road whenever possible.
Lori Wengert, a New Ulm resident, snapped the featured photo of a female snapping turtle she helped across KC Road.
“Stopped on the KC road to move this stubborn snapper,” Wengert said of the turtle. “Ten minutes later, not only was she back on the road, but she was laying eggs. Could not move her again once she had started so, I HOPE in the 3-4 hours it takes her to finish no one runs her over.”
Each year at this time, female turtles move from lakes, ponds, wetlands, rivers, and streams to nesting areas as they search for suitable locations to deposit their eggs. Their slow pace makes them susceptible to getting hit and killed by cars. In fact, roadway mortality is believed to be a major factor in turtle population declines throughout the United States.
The DNR provided tips on handling turtles:
Photo credit: Lori Wengert, New Ulm
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