MnDOT: Watch Out For Turtles On the Road This Fall

Fall in Minnesota means many things, from bonfires to football games to leaves turning colors. But it also means turtles across the state are starting their winter migration-- and could be right there on the road.

Both the Minnesota DNR and the Minnesota Department of Transportation are out reminding us to watch out for our fellow wildlife-- including turtles-- as they make their way to their winter homes. Oftentimes, that means they'll be right there, in the middle of the road.

And, as this DNR story says, "the 'hide in my shell and wait it out' strategy that has enabled turtles to weather the geologic changes leading to the extinction of countless other species, however, has proven of little use in surviving the peril posed by fast moving trucks and cars."

It offers up several tips about how we can help Minnesota's turtles get across the road without getting squashed. Check out their helpful tips HERE.  It's good information to know, especially since it also says that "roadway mortality," (that'd be, getting hit by a car) "is, in fact, is believed to be a major factor in turtle population declines throughout the United States." That's not good.

I've stopped and helped a couple of turtles across some rural roads, and I'm always glad to help out. Just this weekend, my wife and I encountered a pretty good size turtle, right in the middle of the Highway-62 west on-ramp in Edina. We didn't hit him, thankfully, but I almost felt bad that I didn't stop and help him (or her) get safely across the ramp. But I shall be on the lookout for more!