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
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, 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 snowplows. Do you think the expense is justified?