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April 29, 2025
Spring is here—and so are the turtles. The Missouri Department of Conservation is reminding drivers to watch out for turtles on the road as warmer weather brings these reptiles out of hibernation.
Species like box turtles, red-eared sliders, and even snapping turtles are on the move in search of food, mates, and nesting spots. Young males tend to roam the farthest, sometimes traveling up to six miles, which puts them at high risk of being hit by cars.
Turtles often bask on warm pavement during cooler spring days, making roadways especially dangerous for them. Thousands are killed each year in Missouri, making vehicles one of the biggest threats to their survival.
MDC urges drivers to slow down and, if safe, help turtles cross the road in the direction they’re heading.
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