Note: This video is from April 2019.

ST. LOUIS – The Missouri Department of Conservation is sending out their yearly message to those on the roads as turtles become more active.

Turtles often become victim to being hit by a car during the warmer months as they try to make it across the road to hunt for food and mates.

According to MDC, drivers hit thousands of box turtles across the state every year. Other common turtles to see out and about include the red-eared sliders, painted turtles, Mississippi mud turtles, or snapping turtles.

The warm asphalt also aids to their body temperature as turtles are naturally cold-blooded. Most of those on the move are males, and they sometimes can travel up to six miles, MDC added.

Last year, a St. Charles County officer earned the title of a “turtle whisperer” for helping some reptiles in need.

“Can’t stand it whenever we’re driving along, we see turtles either hit or getting hit. I mean, it doesn’t take anything out of our day to stop. Get it out of the way,” he said.

The year before, in 2023, the number of turtles crossing Highway 367 increased so much they had to warn drivers of them crossing.

MDC reminds drivers to be cautious while on the road for traveling turtles. If you stop to assist one, move the turtle in the direction its going, so it won’t have to cross the road again.