www.Texasturtles.org

Roadway Mortality * The graphic images on this page are presented soley to underscore the everyday threat facing turtles in Texas.

Automobiles kill thousands of turtles every year.  The numbers killed on roadways is second only to the numbers killed by the Asian food trade.  Turtles have no idea of what a car is and therefore do not look both ways before trying to cross.  However, everyone can do their part by doing the following:

* Paying close attention to the road while driving, especially in areas that contain wildlife from spring to autumn.

* Moving turtles off of the road (please obey all traffic laws while doing so and make certain that you are not causing an unsafe  

  situation for yourself or others by doing so).

This female red ear slider was hit as she attempted to cross Hwy 287 in Anderson County, Texas.  Although she was still alive when found the trauma not only inflicted grave injuries but destroyed all of the eggs she carried within her.  She was likely looking for a place to lay her eggs.   Turtles can sometimes be saved after receiving a serious injury, but sadly most cannot.  She was quickly killed to end her suffering.

This adult common snapping turtle was killed as it was trying to cross the road.  Given its size this animal was probably at least 15 years old.

This Mississippi mud turtle was also killed by a car.  This is another example of a female killed before she could lay her eggs (notice the fragments of egg shell).