A suburban Chicago community wants fast drivers to hit the brakes to make way for turtles.
The village of Vernon Hills, about 30 miles north of Chicago, is on a reptile-saving mission with its new turtle crossing signs after dozens of the animals died while inching across roads last year.
"We did have a significant amount of carnage last year," said David Brown, public works director and village engineer.
The temporary signs are being installed in subdivisions near a channel that's popular with the slow-moving creatures, particularly painted turtles and snapping turtles, The Daily Herald reported
Gary Glowacki, a wildlife biologist with the Lake County Forest Preserve District, said reptile awareness is increasing among residents who are asking for more signs near their homes after the first were put up several years ago.
Glowacki said he is fielding additional requests from residents who are trying to keep the crawling critters safe, especially during nesting season.
"Pretty much the month of June is the most dangerous time to be a turtle," he said.
