How to Safely Help Turtles Crossing Roads from May to October

Every year from May to October, turtles in Quebec face a serious threat when they cross roads. This period coincides with their active months for feeding, mating, nesting, and hatching. Unfortunately, many turtles fall victim to vehicle collisions, which can have a lasting impact on their already vulnerable populations. Understanding how to safely assist turtles on the road can make a real difference in protecting these important creatures.

Turtle crossing a gravel road during nesting season

Why Turtles Are at Risk on Roads

Turtles are slow movers, which makes crossing roads particularly dangerous. From May to October, their activity increases as they search for food, mates, and nesting sites. Adult females are especially vulnerable in June when they lay eggs, often choosing ditches or gravel shoulders near roads. Hatchlings also face risks when they emerge in late summer and early fall.

Quebec is home to eight species of turtles, many of which are already at risk. Losing even one turtle can affect the survival of the entire population because turtles have long life cycles and low reproductive rates. Protecting each individual is crucial for maintaining biodiversity.

How to Recognize When a Turtle Needs Help

Not every turtle on the road needs assistance. Sometimes they can safely cross on their own. However, you should consider helping if:

• The turtle is in the middle of the road or moving slowly toward traffic.

• The road is busy or has fast-moving vehicles.

• The turtle is an adult female during nesting season or a hatchling.

• The turtle appears injured or disoriented.

  
  

Always approach the situation calmly and carefully to avoid stressing the animal or putting yourself in danger.

Steps to Safely Help a Turtle Cross the Road

If you decide to help a turtle, follow these guidelines to ensure safety for both you and the turtle:

1. Stop your vehicle safely

   Pull over to the side of the road where it is safe to do so. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.

   
   

2. Assess the turtle’s direction

   Turtles usually move in a straight line. Help them continue in the same direction rather than turning them around.

   
   

1. Handle the turtle carefully

   • Use both hands to lift the turtle gently by the sides of its shell.

   • Avoid lifting by the tail or limbs, as this can injure the turtle.

   • If the turtle is large, ask for help or use a sturdy object like a box or shovel to move it.

   
   

2. Move the turtle to the side of the road it was heading toward

   Place it safely off the road, away from traffic and potential hazards.

   
   

1. Do not take the turtle home or relocate it far from where you found it

   Turtles have specific home ranges, and moving them too far can harm their chances of survival.

   
   

2. Wash your hands after handling

   Turtles can carry bacteria like Salmonella, so hygiene is important.

   
   

Reporting Turtle Sightings Helps Protect Them

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) launched the Carapace initiative to collect data on turtle sightings and road collisions. Since 2017, over 12,000 reports have helped identify dangerous road sections and support safety measures like wildlife crossings and signage.

You can contribute by reporting turtle sightings on carapace.ca. This information helps conservation groups target critical areas and develop practical solutions to reduce turtle mortality.

Roadside turtle crossing sign in a forested area

Why Protecting Turtles Matters

Turtles play a vital role in ecosystems. They help control insect and plant populations and contribute to nutrient cycling. Protecting turtles supports the health of wetlands, forests, and freshwater systems.

Every turtle saved is a step toward preserving Quebec’s biodiversity. As Francisco Retamal Diaz, Project Manager at NCC, says: “Each protected turtle is a win for Quebec’s biodiversity. The loss of a single individual can affect the balance of an entire population.”

What You Can Do Beyond Helping Turtles Cross Roads

• Drive carefully in turtle habitats

Slow down near ditches, gravel shoulders, and areas with turtle crossing signs, especially from May to October.

• Spread awareness

Share information about turtle safety with friends and family.

• Support conservation efforts

Volunteer or donate to organizations working to protect turtles and their habitats.

• Create safe spaces

If you live near turtle habitats, consider installing barriers or wildlife crossings to reduce road mortality.