Ontario is lucky to have all eight of Canada’s native turtle species. Sadly, seven of these species (Spotted, Wood, Blanding’s, Eastern Spiny Softshell, Common Musk, Common Map, and Snapping) have been classified by provincial and national authorities as endangered, threatened, or of special concern.
The good news is that there are now 700 turtle crossing signs installed on highways throughout the province, thanks to the dedication and efforts of Turtle S.H.E.L.L Tortue, a registered charitable organization. To do their bit, caring citizens can help by paying close attention to the road and shoulders in these designated turtle crossing areas and near any water-bordering areas from April through September.
If you do happen to see a turtle (which may resemble an odd-shaped rock) and if you are able to stop safely, then you can help prevent a turtle fatality. Smaller turtles can be picked up and carried to the side of the road and placed in the direction in which it was heading.
Snapping turtles or larger specimens should be grasped by the base of the tail and gently pulled backwards, or rolled over onto their backs onto a mat, cardboard, blanket, or shovel. Their jaws should be avoided, since turtles, like other animals, can deliver a nasty bite when they feel threatened.
Do not return a turtle to water, take it home, or take it somewhere that seems safer to release it. Also do not turn it around as it will simply try to cross the road again—turtles know where they want to go.
If the turtle is injured it can be brought to any one of the nineteen turtle drop-off locations listed at www.turtleshelltortue.org. There are several in and around Ottawa. These turtles will receive the necessary treatment at the Turtle Care Centre and be rehabilitated for eventual safe release back into the wild. The website features case studies and pictures of how injured turtle shells are repaired and the subsequent release of the healed turtle back to its home territory.
It is important to record the exact location where the turtle was found, so that it can be returned to its original territory. If no distinct landmarks are present, record your odometer reading at the rescue site and then again at the nearest intersection. Keep the turtle in a quiet, dry, and cool place during transport and do not provide any food or water for the time being. Survival rate for turtles brought to the centre is 95 percent.
Turtles are long-lived, and some species, such as Snapping Turtles, have survived over 60 years in the wild. By rescuing a turtle you not only help increase its life span and help ensure the survival of the next generation of turtles, you also contribute to the preservation of a healthy ecosystem in your neighborhood.
Michèlle André-St. Cyr and Douglas St. Cyr are the founders of Turtle S.H.E.L.L Tortue.
