TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP): State crews have put up “Turtle Crossing'' signs along a busy road running beside a wildlife area near Terre Haute.

Vigo County parks programmer Amber Slaughterbeck many turtles of various species are killed by vehicles as they try to cross National Avenue on the northern edge of the Wabashiki Fish and Wildlife Area.

Slaughterbeck says she and volunteers have collected and moved to safety more than 2,000 turtles they found near the road in the last few years. She tells the Tribune-Star the warning signs put up this week will raise awareness among drivers.

Slaughterbeck says the ultimate plan is to raise money for fencing and tunnels so the turtles and other animals such as otters and beavers can cross underneath the road.