Helping a turtle safely cross the road

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Why did the turtle cross the road? Well, to get to the other side but traffic sometimes makes that a big task for a little critter. 

You may see an increase in Box and Snapping Turtles trying to cross roadways. It’s because they are nearing the end of mating season. So, many turtles are trying to safely lay their eggs. 

We’ve also experienced some heavy rain over the past week in the Cape Fear, drawing these turtles out of hiding. 

Jeremy Bivins is the Executive Director of Coastal Wildlife Alliance. He urged drivers, that can safely do so, to slow down and wait or place them on the side of the road in the direction they were headed. 

He said there’s another root cause to high numbers of turtles in town. 

“There’s also a lot of development going on in Brunswick and New Hanover County. So, there’s habitat disturbance and habitat loss that’s also sending them out on the roads,” Bivins said. 

He said if you come across an injured turtle that has been hit while attempting to cross, call your local wildlife agency.