How To Keep Wisconsin's Native Turtles Safe As They Emerge For Nesting

WISCONSIN — For many Wisconsinites, the end of May means longer, warmer days and time outdoors. For the 11 species of wild turtles in our state, this time of year is somewhat similar.

It's between late May and June that they'll begin to climb out from the rivers, lakes and wetlands to lay their eggs in sunny areas and dry uplands, but their yearly rituals often put them at risk as they cross into roadways and residential areas, a news release from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources pointed out Monday.

Some turtles in Wisconsin reach old ages before they can reproduce, like Blanding's and wood turtles, which cannot create offspring successfully until they are 12 to 20 years old, the DNR said. In addition, box turtles can only lay a few eggs per year, so removing even one from the wild can quickly decline populations, the release said.

Vehicles end up running over many female turtles as they look to lay their eggs during this time of year, too. The DNR said it's a leading cause of turtles declining in Wisconsin. So, it's up to humans to help keep our local turtles safe throughout their nesting season, and there are several ways we can do it.

“The nesting season is a tough time for wild female turtles. Many are removed from populations through road mortality, while others are collected, often illegally, for the global pet, food, and medicine industry,” said Andrew Badje, DNR Conservation Biologist in a news release. “Protecting female turtles and their nests in the wild and learning how pet turtle demand influences an unsustainable illegal turtle trade are great ways to conserve turtles in Wisconsin and the world.”

Here's what the DNR said Wisconsinites can do to help local turtles:

• Protect turtle eggs in yards and other private property by building and securing a nest cage over any documented nests. Follow these instructions and watch a step-by-step video to build a nest cage that keeps predators away from the nest and allows hatchlings to exit on their own.
• Drive with caution on roads that are near wetlands, lakes and rivers. Slow down and be alert.
• Report turtle observations, road crossings and nest sites using the Turtle Reporting Form for the DNR’s Wisconsin Turtle Conservation Program. DNR conservation biologists use these reports to manage and conserve turtles.
• Report suspicious or illegal activity associated with turtles to DNR’s Violation Hotline by calling or texting 1-800-847-9367.
• Help protect Wisconsin’s native turtles by keeping wild turtles in the wild and not releasing pet turtles into the wild.
• Turtles don’t make great pets. For those desiring to own one, #BuyInformed, and take steps to lessen the impact on the illegal turtle trade.
• Learn additional ways to help protect Wisconsin’s turtles and spread the word about Wild Turtle Week.