Citizen scientists are being sought by Mass Wildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program and the state Department of Transportation this spring to help with turtle research.
From now through early July, the state is looking for volunteers for its Turtle Roadway Mortality Study to help report on turtle crossing hot spots, in an effort to protect turtles and maintain public safety.
This turtle study, started in 2010, is aimed at identifying roadways where turtles cross frequently.
David Paulson, endangered species review biologist with Mass Wildlife, said this partnership with DOT started because the state wanted to study how roadways affect wildlife in Massachusetts.
“Biologically, wildlife are crossing roads because roads fragment their habitat across the state,” Paulson said. “That poses a threat to them, leading to a decline in population.”
The other concern is public safety, as drivers swerve to avoid animals, both large and small – even turtles.
Turtles are especially affected by roadway threats.
“Their young have a high mortality rate,” Paulson said. “When (motorists) start to hit these individuals, especially females, in spring and early summer, it affects the population.”
The peek nesting period for turtles in Massachusetts is late May through July 5, and that’s when turtles are traveling from wetlands to other wetlands, or to uplands, to lay their eggs for the year.
State officials are looking for sightings of any turtle species. The most commonly seen are painted, snapping, musk and spotted turtles. The species of a higher concern are wood, box and Blanding’s.
“Knowing where these hot spots are would be a priority of conservation efforts,” Paulson said.
Citizen scientists who see a turtle in the road should first assess public safety before trying to help the turtle. If the road is not a busy one, and the citizen scientist has someone along to help, the person can help the turtle cross the road by placing it on the side of the road in the direction it was heading.
Timothy Dexter, environmental analyst with DOT, said people should use caution.
“We don’t want people getting out of their cars on state highways or busy roads,” he said. “Even if you can’t get out of your car, you can note your observation.”
Dexter said with its limited resources, the state DOT prioritizes roadway improvement projects, with the help of citizen scientists.
“We can do standardized surveys across the state and rate that data from least concern to the most concern,” he said. “We prioritize infrastructure upgrades, which could be signs to increase awareness (about the presence of wildlife) or barrier fencing to keep wildlife off the roadways.”
Larger scale projects include enlarging culverts, building wildlife tunnels under roadways, and allowing for upland passage with bridge replacement projects.
The state conducts training sessions for potential volunteers a few times each year, but those who can’t attend a session can still volunteer. Volunteers receive training materials, including vests, hard hats and eyewear so they can be fully visible and protected.