COOS BAY, Ore. -- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists are asking people to be on the lookout for turtles this summer.

Oregon Zoo photo

A baby western pond turtle hatches.

They don't want you to touch the turtles, but they do ask you to report sightings.

Western pond and western painted turtles are native to Oregon and are listed on the state sensitive species list.

They are also highlighted in the Oregon Conservation Strategy as species in need of help.

Biologists say motorists can provide some of that help by being alert when driving near streams and rivers. So if you see what appears to be a bowl sliding across the street, try to avoid it.

The best way to report a sighting is via the Internet on the Native Turtles of Oregon Web site, www.oregonzoo.org/Turtles.