Minnesota DNR Guidelines – Should You Help A Turtle Cross The Road?

It's still turtle nesting season in Minnesota. That means the turtles are on the move, and the female turtles are looking for a place to lay their eggs and create a nest. All too often it involves them crossing a road. Turtles, being as slow as they are, tragically get hit by cars as they make their way across. So, some people will pick up the turtles and help them cross the road. Should you really do this?

If Not In Immediate Danger, Leave The Turtle Alone

The Minnesota DNR shares guidelines on what you should do if you encounter a turtle in the middle of the road. The best bet is to let them cross the road on their own if they aren't in immediate danger. That's because when you pick up a turtle, it stresses them out.

If The Turtle Is In Danger, DNR Shares Tips For Moving It

If there is traffic and the turtle is in danger, the DNR shares tips for handling our hard-shelled friends.

When you're in your car, pull over and put on your hazard lights. Handle the turtle as little as possible to reduce the amount of stress on the turtle. If female turtles get too stressed, they release water that they had stored for future use.

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Move the turtle in the same direction it was going. Turtles don't travel very far and have a small habitat area, so moving them to a different spot or direction can confuse them.

If you encounter a snapping turtle, the Minnesota DNR suggests you guide them from a safe distance away or use a shovel to pick them up and move them.

Learn more about turtles in Minnesota from the Minnesota DNR.