DNR Reminds Hoosiers To Watch For Nesting Turtles On Roadways

Nesting season will continue through June.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - With Indiana native turtles going through nesting season, Hoosiers may find many of the little creatures out on the road. 

All native turtles, endangered species and Eastern box turtles, are regulated in Indiana. They are protected and cannot be collected from the wild or kept as pets.  

When you come across a turtle, it's best to simply observe and enjoy the shelled reptile in its natural habitat. 

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds Hoosiers that wild turtles do not make good pets. Wild turtles can live a long time, some species outliving their owners. They can also be messy and have special husbandry needs.  

Indiana's turtles face numerous conservation challenges, including habitat loss, illegal collection for the pet trade, and the destruction of turtle nests by predators.

Seven of the state’s 16 turtle species are listed as state endangered or special concern.

Turtles that are found crossing roadways may be moved off the road as long as conditions are safe. The turtle must be moved in the direction it was traveling. When a turtle is moved to a new area, it is displaced from its home range and removed from its population. Relocating turtles to new areas can leave turtles disoriented and spread new diseases to that area.

Eastern box turtles and like species have a strong homing instinct. If moved, those turtles could spend the rest of its life trying to find its original home.

If you find a turtle nest, you should not disturb it. You may place a mesh cage over the nest to protect the eggs from predators as long as it is check daily for hatchling turtles. 

Common snapping turtles and softshell turtles may be harvested with a valid Indiana hunting or fishing license. For gag limits, season dates, and other regulations visit eregulations.com/indiana/fishing/reptiles-amphibians/. The hunting season for these species is closed during nesting season which is April through June. 

Learn more about Indiana’s amphibian and reptile regulations at wildlife.IN.gov/3328.htm.