What Is A Turtle or Tortoise Fence?
Posted by Duncan Page on Mon, May 24, 2010
Arkansas DOT photo
Have you ever seen a turtle fence? They are being used more frequently to cut down on roadkill in areas where highways cross the natural migration routes of turtles.
What is a turtle fence?
- A turtle fence is a physical barrier that prevents turtles from entering any area.
- Fences can guide turtles to an underpass or other safe way of crossing the roadway.
What is the need for turtle fences?
- To reduce a source of distraction and a cause of accidents on high speed highways.
- To save lives.
- To protect and preserve endangered species.
How is a turtle fence made?
- Welded or woven wire fence with a 1/2"x1" to 2"x2" mesh is ideal.
- 16 to 12.5 gauge wires are sufficient.
- Galvanized before, galvanized after or vinyl coated mesh, depending on the desired lifetime of the fence.
- 24" to 36" height depending on species.
A turtle fence can be a costly project and is often a cause of debate. Maintenance, especially in areas of heavy snow, can be quite costly if the fence is damaged by snow plows. Do you think the expense is justified?
