Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Wins PETA Award

Agency Issues Instructions to Motorists for How to Avoid Hitting Turtles on Roadways During Nesting Migration

For Immediate Release:
June 16, 2010

Contact:
Danielle Katz 757-622-7382

St. Paul, Minn. -- Each year in late spring, female turtles travel from lakes, ponds, wetlands, and streams to nesting areas to deposit their eggs. But many are injured or killed because they must cross highways and other roads in order to reach their destinations. But thanks to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the turtles' prospects for safely reaching their nesting areas have improved. For issuing a news release with specific instructions for motorists on how to best avoid hitting nesting turtles, DNR will receive a Compassionate Action Award from PETA.

"Turtles and other small animals don't always get the kind of consideration that is given to larger animals, but they suffer every bit as much when they're hit by a car," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "We applaud the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for raising awareness about the perils that highways present to wildlife."

The DNR's news release offers motorists tips that could save countless turtles' lives:

*  If you see a turtle or other animal on the road, slow down and drive around the animal. If at all possible, allow animals to cross the road unassisted.

*  Observe turtles from a distance and avoid rapid movements, which can cause the animals to change direction or stop, placing them at increased risk.

*  If you must render assistance, always be sure to place turtles safely on the same side of the road to which they were headed.

The DNR will receive a framed certificate and letter of appreciation from PETA.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.