Wisconsin’s Turtle Population Is At Risk But Being Vigilant Can Change That

Wisconsin is loaded with more than beer, cheese, fires, and lakes, it's also a heavily populated area for turtles.

I will be honest, I spent way more time watching turtle vids on TikTok than I'm willing to admit. I do not know when this fascination began or how it started but I love turtles.

In Wisconsin, the Department of Natural Resources is encouraging residents and visitors to keep their eyes peeled for turtles, especially this time of the year.

Did you know there are 11 different species of turtles native to Wisconsin?

It should be no surprise to spot turtles slowly making their way from lakes, rivers, and wetlands, for the next 30 days or so. Wisconsin's DNR says this is the time when our shelled friends lay their eggs.

Of course, nature being nature, other wild animals are looking to make a snack out of Mrs. Turtle's eggs, primarily coyotes, raccoons, and skunks. They're looking to raid turtles' nests like people pouring into Golden Corral after Sunday church.

Wisconsin DNR Fun Fact: Blanding’s turtles and Wood turtles cannot reproduce until they at 12 to 20 years old.

Pesky trash pandas, coyotes, and sassy skunks are not the only risks turtles endure, it's us too.

According to NBC 15, vehicles are predators as well. In fact, drivers should pay extra close attention while driving near turtle habitats. There is also a way to report when you spot turtles crossing roads, nesting, or anything related to them.

All it takes is one accident...

You may be surprised to know the loss of just one female turtle can cause a decline in populations or, worse, completely wipe out species.

[h/t NBC 15]