The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is asking anyone who sees a turtle nesting in an unsafe place to notify them.
This time of year is when the majority of turtles lay their eggs. However, they often nest in dangerous spots such as along roads, near pedestrian trails, and in parks. As all eight of Ontario's turtle species are now designated as at-risk, either federally, provincially, or in most cases, both, there is a greater need to protect their nests.
The conservation authority is requesting those who notice a turtle nest in an unsafe place to report it with a detailed description of the location and the situation. Like in years past, the UTRCA's Species at Risk Biologist Scott Gillingwater and the Southern Ontario At Risk Reptiles team may be able to rescue the eggs, incubate them, and release the young back into their natural habitat.
"Our team has made a significant difference for turtle populations in the Thames River watershed, and a large part of that success is based on the many reports of turtles and nests at risk from caring community members,” said Gillingwater.
Ontario's turtle population has dwindled due to increased threats including habitat loss, road mortality, high predation rates, illegal collection, and other environmental and human-caused stressors. The conservation authority adds that helping to protect turtle nests helps preserve the overall population.
Other ways people can help protect turtles is by, when safe to do so, assisting them across the road and donating to efforts to study and conserve reptiles at risk.
A female turtle does not lay her first clutch of eggs until she is at least 15-years-old.
Unsafe turtle nests can be reported to the UTRCA using its online reporting form.
