Most of Wisconsin's 11 native turtle species breed in late May through June, often crossing roads to lay their eggs in nests on higher ground. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' research with partners in recent years has pointed to turtles getting run over by cars and predation of turtle nests by raccoons, skunks and coyotes as major reasons for declining populations.

Because some species, like wood turtles and Blanding’s turtles, take 12 to 20 years to reach reproductive maturity, the death of even one female turtle a year within a population can take a big toll on small, local populations. 

DNR and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation are teaming up this year to help keep turtles and motorists safe. Here are ways you can help:

• Slow down and be alert when driving near wetlands, rivers and lakes. 
• Report turtle crossings using DNR's Wisconsin Turtle Conservation Program online form so the information can be used to help address problem areas. 
• Build a nest cage if you have turtles nesting on your property. Watch our step-by-step video and get a supply list and instructions.

Girl Scout Saves Turtles, Gets Award

In 2020, Girl Scout Ella Kreuziger contacted the DNR about a Waukesha County highway crossing used by many turtles. She raised money to pay for stenciling a turtle crossing sign to alert motorists. The county highway department did the work this fall, and Ella received her Silver Award in scouting for helping turtles cross to safety. The Silver Award is the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can receive; only 10% of Girl Scouts nationwide receive one. Thank you and congratulations Ella!

DNR Research: Turtles Go The Distance

DNR is part of an ongoing multi-state research project to conserve threatened wood turtles. The project has identified threats to turtles and guided multiple conservation strategies to protect nests from predators and reduce turtles killed crossing roadways. It also has yielded a steady stream of insights into wood turtle biology and habits.

For example, researchers have documented that female wood turtles will travel as far as 4 to 5 miles to their annual nest sites to lay eggs. The turtles stay in the same home areas year after year and return to the same nesting areas. How's that for an amazing internal mapping system?!

Communal Nest Boxes Hatch Success

In recent years the DNR and partners have created or restored more than 20 nest sites protected with electric fencing and communal nest boxes protecting over 100 individual nests. A minimum of 410 hatchlings have been documented from those sites. DNR wildlife biologists, U.S. Forest Service, Turtles for Tomorrow and private individuals maintain similar sites on public and private land.  

Learn more about Wisconsin's native turtle species on DNR's Wisconsin Turtle Conservation Program website.