May through July in Maine is a critical period when Maine’s female turtles undertake risky overland forays to reach nesting areas. During this time, turtles often cross roads, sometimes with fatal consequences. In response, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) and The Nature Conservancy are cooperating to install new road signs in addition to previously installed signs warning motorists of endangered turtle road crossing locations in the towns of Wells, South Berwick and York with the goal of reducing collisions with two of the states rarest species.
“A small change, like driving just a little slower, can make a big difference for these turtles,” said Jonathan Bailey of The Nature Conservancy. “These signs are in places where we know these rare species are on the move. Making people aware can save turtles.”
Spotted and Blanding’s turtles, both protected under Maine’s Endangered Species Act, have seen much of
