Slow Down Connecticut, The Turtles Will Thank You

I love turtles, and the thought of one getting hit by a car honestly makes my stomach turn. Apparently, I’m not alone either. I-95’s wildlife expert, Jen the Zookeeper, has a much more eloquent way of getting that message across.

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Slow Traffic Ahead: Connecticut’s Tiny Tank Migration Has Begun

Across Connecticut, turtles are once again committing themselves to the annual and deeply inconvenient tradition of crossing roads at approximately 0.0003 miles per hour.

Late spring and early summer are peak turtle movement season, especially for nesting females searching for sandy soil to lay eggs. Species like the Eastern Box Turtle, Painted Turtle, and Snapping Turtle are commonly seen making determined journeys that completely ignore traffic patterns, human schedules, and the concept of self-preservation.

Here’s what to do if you spot one in the road:

• If it is safe to stop, help the turtle cross the road — always in the exact direction it was already headed. Even if it seems wrong to you, turning them around just means they’ll try crossing again later.
• Move them carefully with both hands near the back of the shell.
• For snapping turtles: admire respectfully. Their necks are surprisingly long and their opinions are surprisingly strong. Use a shovel, car mat, or let a professional handle it if needed.
• Never relocate turtles far away. Many species have strong homing instincts and may spend the rest of the season trying to return.

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Road mortality is a major threat to turtles because they reproduce slowly and take years to mature. Saving even one adult female can make a real difference for local populations.

So, if traffic suddenly stops for no apparent reason, there’s a decent chance a prehistoric pancake with legs is out there trying its best. Be patient. They were here first.