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Watch Out for the Turtles

Tuesday, 6 June 2017 14:27

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Why did the turtle cross the road? to find a new place to lay their eggs of course.

Turtle nesting season has begun and this means you will start to notice plenty of turtles crossing the road. 

Species at Risk Biologist with the UTRCA Scott Gillingwater tells Heart FM they really want residents to keep a close eye out for our turtle friends at risk. 

"In Oxford Count we have a number of turtles at risk, the Northern Map turtle are a special concern, even Snapping Turtles are a special concern, also very rare species such as the spotted turtle which is endangered and the Blandings Turtle which is threatened and Spiny Softshell Turtle is still listed as Endangered." 

Some turtles in this region may be close to 100 years old, so you really are encountering a piece of history when you meet a turtle along a roadway. Gillingwater says their are a number of different ways you can help protect the turtle population. 

"You can help by watching for turtles crossing the road and, when it’s safe to do so, helping them across the road. Placing the turtle back in the nearest wetland area is advised. If you're helping a turtle across the road, use care when you lift the animal, keep it low to the ground in case it falls, and ensure your hands and arms are always behind the turtle and away from its head."

If you find a turtle nesting on your property, do not disturb her. Eggs may take 50 to 90 days to hatch, and some species stay in the nest until the following spring. 

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