Peak Turtle Season In MA Means More Road Hazards: State

MASSACHUSETTS — Turtle migration season will soon peak in Massachusetts, and that means a possible increase in turtle appearances in human areas across the state.

MassWildlife is reminding drivers, especially, to keep a keen eye out for the slow moving reptiles as they emerge from winter hibernation spots to find food, and make new homes near wetlands for the summer. Turtles may also appear on your property, and wildlife officials say it's a good idea to leave them alone — especially snapping turtles.

"Even if it’s not apparent to you where they’re headed, turtles have a keen sense of direction and may be on their way to wetlands or open, upland sites such as lawns, gravel pits, or roadsides for nesting. If you find a turtle, do not move it far away," MassWildlife said recently.

Turtle migration season typically peaks in mid-May, according to the state.

If you find yourself needing to move a turtle off a roadway or anywhere else, here are some tips for dealing with turtles from MassWildlife:

• Do not risk getting hurt or causing harm to others by unsafely pulling off the road or trying to dodge traffic. If the opportunity to safely move a turtle from the road occurs, move it in the direction it was heading and off the edge of the road. The turtle is trying to get to habitats and resources it needs and knows. Do not take turtles home or move them to a "better" location.
• Most turtles should be grasped gently along the shell edge near the mid-point of the body. However, snapping turtles are fast and have very powerful jaws that can inflict a bad bite. A snapping turtle can reach your hands if you lift it by the sides of its shell. If you must move a snapping turtle, use a broom to coax it into a plastic tub or box. Never lift a snapping turtle only by the tail; this can injure their spine.
• Watch for turtles on roadways bordered by wetlands on both sides. These areas are commonly used as crossing points. If you see one turtle crossing, there's a chance that others will be crossing soon as well.
• Report busy crossing locations. Let MassWildlife know if you see multiple turtles crossing the road or if you see multiple turtles that have been hit by cars. Email location information to natural.heritage@mass.gov. You can also contact your town Conservation Commission or local conservation groups and support measures to help turtles. Signage, barrier fencing, or seasonal speed bumps can help reduce roadkill.

Want to know more about local turtles? There are about 11 different species that call Massachusetts home.