Heroes to Turtles! City of Bloomington Nabs PETA Award for Helping Reptiles Safely Cross the Road

For Immediate Release:
August 18, 2025

Contact:
Hannah Nelson 202-483-7382

Bloomington, Minn. –

A Compassionate City Award is on its way from PETA to Bloomington Mayor Tim Busse in thanks for the city’s new turtle tunnel, built to spare the animals from being hit by cars on East Bush Lake Road.

After a study found that hundreds of turtles were hit by cars every year on the stretch of road through wetlands near the Richardson Nature Center, the city replaced the storm drain running under the road with a larger tunnel that will allow turtles to cross safely underneath, avoiding traffic altogether. The new tunnel is outfitted with grates to allow sunlight to guide the turtles to safety, and plans are in place to add barriers along the roadside for added protection.

*The new storm drain on East Bush Lake Road. Photo: City of Bloomington*

“Because of their slow metabolisms, turtles can remain alive and in agonizing pain for days or even weeks after their shells are crushed by a speeding car,” says PETA President Tracy Reiman. “Bloomington’s terrific turtle tunnel is a creative and clever solution to a deadly problem, and PETA encourages other cities to follow its compassionate example.”

Studies show that cars kill so many turtles that many species’ survival is at risk. PETA urges anyone who sees a turtle on or near a road to take immediate action:

Pull over, park in a safe place, put hazard lights on, and make sure traffic is clear before venturing out onto the road.
Turtles who are uninjured but in danger of being struck by a car should be helped across the road. Pick up small turtles by grasping them firmly by both sides of the body, in front of their hind legs; gently push large snapping turtles from behind with a blunt object. Move turtles in the direction they were headed—don’t put them back where they came from, as they’ll just cross the road again.
If you see an injured turtle on the road, rush the animal to a veterinarian, an animal shelter, or a wildlife rehabilitator to be assessed. Even if you think an animal is dead, stop to make sure—test for a reaction by gently pinching a back toe or touching the corner of the turtle’s eyelid to see if the animal pulls back or blinks. This photo (warning: graphic) shows a turtle who was crushed but still alive.

Mayor Busse will receive a framed certificate along with delicious vegan chocolates from PETA.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.