Every spring and summer (late May through July), female Diamondback Terrapins cross busy Coastal Delaware highways to find soft, sandy dunes in which to lay their eggs. Hatchlings also emerge and cross roads in late summer. [1, 2, 3]
Specific hot spots, safety rules, and local programs have been established to protect these turtles: [3, 4]
Known Highway Hot Spots
- Route 1 (Coastal Highway): The stretch between Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach (near Towers Road and Fenwick Island) is a high-traffic area with crossing signs and protective fencing.
- Port Mahon Road: Located near Little Creek along the Delaware Bay, this road requires crossing volunteers and features specialized “turtle tunnels” built by the Department of Transportation to protect the turtles. [6, 7]
How to Safely Help a Turtle
- Move them in their direction of travel: Always help them across the road in the same direction they were originally heading. If you place them on the side they came from, they will immediately attempt to cross again.
- Never relocate them: Leave them on the immediate other side of the road. Do not take them to a nearby body of water; they have specific home territories and will dangerously wander if displaced.
- Handle with care: Pick up a terrapin gently along the sides of its shell. Never lift them by their tail, as this can cause severe spinal damage. Be careful, as they may flail their legs, and their back claws can scratch.
- Safety first: Only pull over and assist if it is entirely safe for you and surrounding traffic. [4]
Get Involved or Report Sightings
- Volunteer: You can sign up to help patrol and safely move turtles off the road during nesting season by checking out the state’s Operation Terrapin Rescue program.
- Report strikes/sightings: The Delaware Center for the Inland Bays tracks turtle strikes and monitors habitats, relying on community reporting to map out dangerous zones. [1, 9, 10]
Are you planning to drive through one of these coastal routes, or did you spot a turtle nearby that needs assistance? I can provide you with more local wildlife resources or emergency contacts if you need them.
AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] https://www.capegazette.com/article/it%E2%80%99s-time-year-watch-out-turtles-route-1/220124
[2] https://delawarebeaches.guide/crossing-terrapins-delawares-route-1/
[6] https://dnrec.delaware.gov/outdoor-delaware/operation-terrapin-rescue/
[7] https://dnrec.delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/conservation/terrapin-rescue/
[9] https://inlandbays.org/diamondback-terrapins/
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