Snapping turtles and other freshwater turtles are killed in large numbers on roads during nesting migrations, representing preventable welfare harm and population losses across North America.
Turtles struck by vehicles during nesting migrations suffer crushing injuries that are often fatal but can leave animals alive with severe trauma requiring rehabilitation. The slow reproductive rate of turtles means road mortality of adults has population-level impacts lasting decades. Turtle crossing infrastructure including wildlife tunnels and road closures during peak migration periods, combined with volunteer programs moving nesting females across roads, provide direct welfare and conservation benefits at low cost.