---
title: What Is A Turtle or Tortoise Fence?
description: A physical barrier that prevents turtles from entering any area--turtle fences are a guide to an underpass or another way of crossing a roadway safely.
---

[Our Blog - The Fence Post ](https://www.louispage.com/blog)

# [What Is A Turtle or Tortoise Fence?](https://www.louispage.com/blog/bid/12347/what-is-a-turtle-or-tortoise-fence)

 Written by [Duncan Page](https://www.louispage.com/blog/author/duncan-page) | May 24, 2010

<https://www.louispage.com/turtle-tortoise-fence><https://www.louispage.com/welded-wire-mesh/vinyl-coated-vc>

**Helping the Turtles Migrate                                                           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 it?**

> - 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

**It's important because...?**

> - To reduce a source of distraction and a cause of accidents on high speed highways
> - To save lives
> - [To protect and preserve endangered species](https://www.louispage.com/blog/bid/64997/how-turtle-fence-can-protect-the-threatened-desert-tortoise)

**The Details**

> - Welded or woven wire fence with a ½" x 1" to 2" x 2" mesh is ideal
> - 16 to 12.5 gauge wires are sufficient
> - [Galvanized before](https://www.louispage.com/welded-wire-mesh/galvanized-before-gbw), [galvanized after](https://www.louispage.com/welded-wire-mesh/galvanized-after-gaw) or [vinyl coated mesh](https://www.louispage.com/welded-wire-mesh/vinyl-coated-vc), depending on the desired lifetime of the fence
> - 24" to 36" height depending on species

<https://www.louispage.com/fences/vinyl-coated-woven-wire-fence>

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 snowplows. Do you think the expense is justified?

 

[View full post](https://www.louispage.com/blog/bid/12347/what-is-a-turtle-or-tortoise-fence)

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