9.a MnDOT presentation_animal fencingSmall Animal Road Mortality Study
Tricia Markle, Wildlife Conservation Specialist (Turtles) MN Zoo &
Christopher Smith, Protected Species Program Coordinator MnDOT
Minnesota Turtles
•9 species
•Blanding’s &
Wood turtles listed
as Threatened
Smithsonian
Why are turtles important?
Why is Road Mortality such a Major Threat to Turtles?
Photo: earth rangers
Road Mortality Study
•Partnership between
MnDOT, MN Zoo, and
County Road Authorities
•Objective: determine if
mitigation strategies
reduce turtle road
mortality
Methods: Before-After-Control-Impact Study
32 sites around
greater metro
Methods cont.
Not just turtles…
Turtle Mortality at Scandia site in 2018 (73 total)Red X = Painted
Yellow *= Snapper
•63 Painted Turtles
•9 Snapping Turtles
•1 Unknown Turtle
•4 live road rescues
2019 = 68 turtle
fatalities
•60 Painted turtles
•8 Snapping turtles
•(+2 live along fence)
Mitigation -Fencing
Monitoring culvert use
Fence end treatments work!
Mitigation -Turtle Crossing Signage
Future Needs
•Continued monitoring
and testing of
mitigation methods
•Other barrier types?
•Animal road
underpasses
Summary
Summary