Missouri drivers can expect increase in turtle X’ings
JOPLIN, Mo. — Cars and trucks aren’t the only things traversing area roadways this time of year.
Several species of turtles are out and about trying to get from one side of area roads to the other.
Francis Skalicky with the Missouri Department of Conservation said this is the typical time of year the shelled creatures are on the go for the purpose of courtship, mating and the egg laying period. He said the excess rain is adding to their presence.
“It’s the time of year when several species of turtles are looking for places to nest near water, well, when times of flooding those normal places near water may be under water so that changes their routine, so that’s why you may be seeing other species of turtles beside the normal species of box turtles,” said Skalicky.
He added don’t be too surprised to see other animals in places they normally aren’t seen due to the rain — including some species of snakes.
