Why did the turtle cross the road? If it’s between April and early fall, that’s because it’s nesting season, when Indiana’s Eastern Box Turtles find a mate and lay eggs.
The turtles’ most active most active season is also its most dangerous, said WildCare turtle specialist Sarah Maddox. She treated around two turtles per day in June, mostly for vehicle collisions.
“That is, disappointingly, most often humane euthanasia for turtles who have already been run over and completely crushed, who are shockingly still alive,” Maddox said.
Eastern Box Turtles are endangered in several states. In Indiana they’re a species of special concern, meaning their population is at risk.
In forested areas around Bloomington like Unionville, collisions are far more likely. Social media has had numerous posts noting turtles on Bloomington’s streets.
Maddox and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources recommend helping turtles across the road whenever it’s safe to do so.
“They need to be helped across the road in the direction that they're already going in,.” she said. “If you turn a turtle around, they aren't going to take your advice, and they're simply just going to go back into the road.”
Eastern Box Turtles live most of their long lives within a one-mile radius, so it’s important not to remove them from their environment unless they need medical care.
Maddox said WildCare can successfully care for sick and injured turtles if they’re treated quickly.
