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Braking for turtles: Officials urge motorists to drive carefully as reptiles cross Missouri roads

There may not be any reptile crossing signs posted, but turtles will be more visible as the weather warms.

Missouri Department of Conservation officials are urging the public to be cautious on the roads this spring and "give turtles a brake," the department said via news release.

"These reptiles are often hit by cars during the warmer months, but are at special risk this time of year because they are more active," according to a news release.

The turtles spotted crossing Missouri roads are three-toed box turtles, ornate box turtles and snapping turtles. Most Missouri turtles can live up to 30 years, but the common box turtle can live up to 80, occasionally living more than a century, according to MDC.