The next turtle you see on the road may need your help. Here's what to do.

Across Maine, seven native turtle species form a key part of the state’s natural heritage, with three listed as endangered, threatened, or of special concern: the wood turtle, spotted turtle, and Blanding’s turtle. The others—snapping, painted, and musk turtles—are considered common, while the status of the Eastern box turtle remains uncertain. Each spring, these freshwater turtles travel up to a mile from wetlands to nesting sites, crossing roads, yards, and construction zones along the way. Their long lifespans and late reproduction mean populations recover slowly, with estimates of 10-20 years before first reproduction and roughly 50 years to replace an individual.

To help, drivers should watch for small, dark objects that look like hockey pucks or tire fragments and stop if it is safe, guiding the turtle toward its destination rather than turning it back. Use hazard lights to warn following vehicles and avoid exiting the vehicle to handle the animal in unsafe conditions. If a turtle is injured, cover it to deter flies and contact a wildlife rehabber that treats turtles promptly; remember that eggs remain viable after the mother dies.