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March 26, 2024Jefferson City, Mo. |  By: Jeremy Werner

MDC asking motorists to watch out for turtles

turtles

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - As spring blossoms across Missouri, drivers are reminded to keep an eye out for some slow-moving travelers.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is urging motorists to exercise caution and give turtles a brake.

With warmer temperatures, turtles are emerging from their winter burrows and venturing out in search of food and mates.

Unfortunately, this quest often leads them to cross roadways, putting them at significant risk of being hit by cars.

Various turtle species, including box turtles, sliders, painted turtles, and snapping turtles, are commonly seen on roads during this time.

Thousands of box turtles fall victim to vehicle collisions annually, with young males and nesting females comprising the majority of these travelers.

Turtles rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperatures. As a result, they are frequently observed basking on warm asphalt, particularly on cooler spring days.

To help protect these vulnerable reptiles, the MDC advises motorists to slow down and exercise caution when encountering turtles on the road.