TEXAS, OUR TEXAS
It’s 2 p.m. on a Monday. Traffic slows at the Knickerbocker and Valleyview intersection near the lake.
You brake at the red light, checking for pedestrians before making a right-hand turn. But you don’t see any people crossing.
Instead, you catch a glimpse of something small and round, inching across the asphalt.
Is that a turtle?
According to wildlife experts, if you spot a turtle on the road, it’s most likely for one of the following reasons:
Nesting Season
In late spring/early summer, female turtles will often leave the water in search of a suitable nesting site – preferably something soft and sandy. If there’s a road between them and this potential nesting area, they’ll likely attempt to cross it.
Territory Expansion
Male turtles may cross the road to expand their territory, especially if their current area is overcrowded with other males competing for food, mates, and the best basking spots.
New Habitat
Turtles may seek new habitats altogether if their current home faces challenges such as drought, water level changes, or human disturbances. The Concho River is known to sometimes run low, leaving turtles with no choice but to travel in search of better water.
Young Dispersing
When hatchlings leave their nests, they instinctively move toward bodies of water – or what resembles bodies of water. Unfortunately, sometimes this means they mistake shiny or reflective things (like roads or pavement) for water, leading them directly into traffic.
What kinds of turtles are around here?
In San Angelo, the most common turtles are the Texas map turtle, a species endemic to Texas and found in river systems, and the Texas river cooter, which is common across central Texas waterways and is generally adaptable to slow-moving bodies of water.
What to do if you see a turtle on the road
- Assess safety. If you can, pull over and turn your hazard lights on. Never risk your own safety or cause traffic hazards.
- Assess the situation. If the turtle is moving on its own, stand guard and direct traffic as needed. If it’s immobile or injured, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator.
- Move the turtle to safety. Always move the turtle in the direction it was already heading, even if it seems like the “wrong way”. Use two hands on either side of the shell, and never pull a turtle by its tail.
Helpful tip: If you come across a snapping turtle, make sure to use protection such as a car mat or towel to slide them across the road safely. Do not attempt to pick it up by its shell, as they can and will bite!
What not to do
- Do not relocate! Turtles rely on their natural homing instincts. Moving them to a new environment they weren’t heading for can disorient them and put them in danger.
- Don’t take turtles home. Allow them to live in their natural habitat.
- Don’t assume the turtle is dead. Some turtles can survive shell injuries – even being driven over!
The next time you see a turtle in the road, don’t panic. You may be just the person to help. Proceed with safety, act accordingly, and you might just be the reason our reptile friend makes it to the other side.
Local and Regional Wildlife Support
Ella’s Reptile Sanctuary and Rescue
Nonprofit dedicated to reptile rehabilitation and education. They house and care for injured reptiles and may be able to assist especially with non-native or exotic turtle cases.
Located at 117 Paint Rock Rd., San Angelo; contact via Ella’s Reptile Sanctuary Facebook page
Mad Mouse Zoodio
Nonprofit that offers reptile education and may provide guidance or referrals for injured native turtles.
Located at 2505 Martin Luther King Dr, San Angelo; call or text 214-532-8231.
San Angelo Animal Services
Primarily focused on domestic and livestock animals, but may assist with injured wildlife found on city property or refer to appropriate rehabilitators. Located at 3142 US Hwy 67 North.
Texas Game Wardens
Can assist with wildlife law enforcement and may help coordinate rescue efforts for injured native turtles.
San Angelo Regional Office: 325-651-4844.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Rehabilitator Directory: https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/rehab/
Turtle Rescue League – National Directory: https://turtlerescueleague.org/find-a-wildlife-rehabilitator-near-you/
