Please slow down and be mindful of turtle crossings
Each year in May and June, aquatic turtles such as the eastern painted turtle and American snapping turtle leave their watery habitats—ponds, rivers, and wetlands—to find suitable nesting sites for laying eggs. Many of these turtles cross busy roadways during this time. It’s essential for drivers to slow down when passing near ponds, rivers, and wetlands in the spring to keep turtles safe.
Land turtles like the eastern box turtle, as well as semi-aquatic species such as the wood turtle, are also at risk of road mortality. These turtles seek sandy or loamy soils in fields, open woods, and occasionally on lawns for nesting. After crossing roads to lay eggs, they often cross again to return to their habitats. Slow-moving turtles on busy roads face significant danger.
Eggs laid in spring hatch from late August to early September. Hatchlings will also attempt to cross roads to reach water. You can help ensure their safety by slowing down and watching for native turtles crossing roads.
How You Can Help a Turtle Cross the Road:
Important: Turtles have strong homing instincts. Moving a turtle may cause it to try to return to its original location, risking further crossings and danger. Additionally, relocating turtles can spread diseases.
Known Turtle Crossings on Montague City Road:
Please slow down and be mindful of turtle crossings, particularly the known turtles crossings between 212 – 222 Montague City Road.
After witnessing several painted and snapping turtles being run over in 2024, a local resident requested the Town of Montague to install signage warning drivers to "Slow Down, Turtle Crossing."
In collaboration with the Town’s Planning Department, RiverCulture Program, Sheffield Elementary School, and the MassDCR Great Falls Discovery Center, efforts have been made to raise awareness.
Janel Nockleby, Visitor Services Supervisor at the Great Falls Discovery Center, visited Sheffield Elementary School to teach second graders about turtle species, their habitats, and their role in ecosystems.
Elementary art teacher Jocelyn Castro-Santos then guided students to create artwork of turtles, which was later digitized onto “Slow Down, Turtle Crossing” lawn signs.
Second grade teacher Susan Pellis shared, “Knowing that our students contributed to this stewardship project is heartwarming. We appreciate the opportunity to connect our school with the work of the Great Falls Discovery Center and the Town’s Planning Department & RiverCulture Program.”
Jocelyn Castro-Santos added, “Our second grade artists will be excited to see their artwork when driving through town.”
Montague’s Department of Planning & Conservation Director Maureen Pollock stated, "The Town of Montague is proud to support initiatives that prioritize both community safety and the protection of our local wildlife. The turtle crossing season reminds us that small actions—like slowing down and being vigilant—can make a big difference. By collaborating with schools, conservation and public art partners, and residents, we are fostering a culture of stewardship and awareness. Together, we can ensure that our roads are safer for everyone—humans and turtles alike—while preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of Montague."
As of May 1st, these “Slow Down, Turtle Crossing” signs have been posted along Montague City Road through the end of June.
Learn More:
For additional guidance on helping turtles in Massachusetts, visit: Mass.gov Turtle Guide
Questions or Comments:
For questions/comments, please contact the Montague Department of Planning & Conservation at planner@montague-ma.gov.
Posted: to General Montague News on Thu, May 1, 2025
Updated: Thu, May 1, 2025
