Crews help protect endangered turtles

MOBILE, Alabama (WALA) - Along the causeway there's a short fence that goes a long way in protecting an endangered turtle species.

While driving across Mobile's Causeway, you can't help but notice the wildlife near the road but many fail to see the wildlife on the road.

"Obviously, man's encroaching in the natural habitats and so they're having conflicts and the turtles, only as smart as turtles so they venture out on the road, not knowing what dangers face them," wildlife biologist Roger Clay said.

Alabama red-bellied turtles are found in the area. They're endangered, and females leave the water to lay eggs on land. But over the past few decades, they've been killed by cars.

A few years ago, Alabama Wildlife officials installed a chain-link fence. It's just three feet high, but it makes a world of difference in protecting this species.

"They can find other nesting areas. It's just a way to prevent them from getting on the road and getting struck by vehicles," Clay said.

This fence has done its duty. Clay said after the first year the fence was installed, the mortality rate for turtle hatchlings dropped about 80 percent.

The fence not only protects the turtle species, but alligators, too.

It's not a perfect fix, there are gaps in the fence for driveways. But it allows drivers the opportunity to enjoy the scenery without harming the local residents.

Alabama red-bellied turtles hatch in the fall. They're primarily found along the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta.