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Slow down and look out for turtle hatchlings crossing the road

Headshot of Shannon Smith
Shannon SmithAlbany Advertiser
A turtle hatchling near Lake Seppings.
Camera IconA turtle hatchling near Lake Seppings. Credit: Liam Croy / Albany Advertiser

It is time to ask why the turtles cross the road and how we can help them get to the other side.

Turtle hatching season has begun, with baby turtles starting to make their way across roads in Albany on a mission to get to Lake Seppings.

But crossing the busy roads is slow, and Albany’s western long-necked turtle hatchlings can come to grief with passing cars.

The City of Albany will be placing warning signs on roads near high-traffic turtle hatchling areas this month to warn road users to keep their eyes peeled.

City reserves manager Jacqui Freeman said Golf Links Road, Troode Street and Wollaston Road were some of the crossing hotspots.

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“This time of year is when our Albany turtles become active and the small hatchlings start to journey from the comfort of their nests to a new suitable habitat, so it is important that we all do our part to keep an eye out for these guys and ensure their journey is a safe one,” she said.

“Signage will remain at these locations until January but will be swapped in October for signs that warn of adult turtles in these areas, as that is when they start to be on the move.”

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