Local naturalists and the Virginia Herpetological Society are conducting a survey to determine the numbers, sex and general health of box turtles in the region’s counties.
Since the last day of May, 21 naturalists have been searching roadsides, combing gardens and hiking through forests to identify box turtles, perhaps the most common reptile in the area, reports Robert W. Dunstan, DVM
“The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources estimates that there has been a 32% decline in box turtle populations in Virginia over the past century, and this project, which is expected to take many years, should help us better understand changes in the numbers and health of the box turtle population in our area,” said Dr. Dunstan.
So far, 40 have been identified. Unfortunately, 25% of those turtles died because they were hit by motor vehicles. Although the study was limited to box turtles, it’s not unusual to find other turtle species at risk from crossing highways in the area during the summer, he said. Often, these are females looking for a place to lay their eggs.
Watch for turtles crossing a road and avoid collisions with them.
Ideally, try to help them along the way. If you are in the car, stop safely, pull off the road and give safety signals. Then escort the turtle in the direction it is heading so it does not get back into traffic. Smaller turtles can be picked up. Larger turtles that are heavy or have the potential to bite, such as snapping and soft-shell turtles, can be guided across the road using an umbrella or window scraper.
“Turtles have a remarkable ability to regenerate. Even turtles with broken shells can often be restored. So don’t assume a turtle is dead. It could still be alive and need help,” says Dr Dunstan.
“As we continue our research, Master Naturalists would like to see the number of turtles hit by cars decrease,” he said. “We believe the box turtles would agree.”
