SOUTH JERSEY-- This time of year brings some added dangers for one species of local wildlife. The peak of tourist season brings extra traffic into the area, causing all sorts trouble for turtles faced with dangerous and often deadly road crossings.

"Her shell got cracked right along here, almost to the middle of her shell," said Dr. Roger Wood, Director of the Wetlands Institute. It's an active time of year for local turtles, "We are about in the middle of the nesting season right now," said Wood.

It's even busier on South Jersey roadways. Creating a deadly mix for the female reptiles. "We have almost 500 road kills so far this year. Which is a bit on the high side," said Wood.

More and more troubled terrapins are ending up at the Wetlands Institute. Where they often have to undergo emergency surgery, treatment, and rehabilitation after being struck by cars while crossing roads just to lay their eggs. Many are forced to attempt the dangerous trek because shoreline development is encroaching on the dunes they once used. While most will return to the wild others are not so lucky, sometimes even leaving their eggs orphaned.

"We recovered them from road kill females who didn't get a chance to lay their eggs," said Wood. Wetlands Institute Research Assistant David Kays. Fortunately, some local groups are doing what they can to keep them out of the traffic.

"Just to see a dead turtle splattered to pieces on the side of the road is just something that moves me," said Bill Doughty, Jr. Founder of the Margate Terrapin Rescue Project. That's why many have set up protective barriers. Stretching everything from fencing to newer corrugated tubing along wetland areas. However, they are still trying to figure out which method works best. Although they believe their efforts are helping, they still say there's much more that can be done. "There's way more areas that are unfenced then that are fenced," said Doughty.

While they work to get more areas protected, there is something you can do to help. "If your traveling around marshlands be alert, have your car under control, and drive very slowly," said Doughty.

They say every little bit will help to keep turtles out of traffic and trouble. "One road at a time, one terrapin at a time," said Doughty.