Welfare of Snapping Turtles and Freshwater Turtles

Freshwater turtles face road mortality, collection, and habitat loss threatening welfare and populations.

Key Facts

Turtles are among the slowest-reproducing vertebrates — population recovery from losses is very slow
Road mortality kills tens of thousands of turtles annually in North America during nesting migration
Common snapping turtles are collected for the meat trade and exported in large numbers
Freshwater turtle populations have declined globally by over 50% in recent decades

Welfare Considerations

Freshwater turtle welfare is threatened by a combination of road mortality, collection for food and pet trades, and habitat destruction. Female turtles crossing roads to reach nesting sites are killed by vehicles in large numbers annually. Snapping turtles and other species are legally or illegally collected for domestic and international food markets. Their slow reproductive rate means losses cannot be quickly replaced — even modest annual mortality can cause population declines over decades. Turtle crossing patrols and road mortality reduction programs provide direct welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Help turtles cross roads safely — move them in the direction they were heading
Support turtle crossing programs and wildlife crossing infrastructure
Never collect wild turtles for the pet trade
Advocate for freshwater turtle collection limits and export regulations