Ontario Turtles: Why They Cross the Road and How To Help

Late May and early June represent an important time of the year for turtles in Ontario, as it is the peak of nesting season. This means that they leave the safety of the wetlands, creeks, and rivers that they call home in search of appropriate nesting sites. In Southern Ontario, no area of land is further than 1.5  km from a roadway which means that this can be a dangerous time for the turtles and the eggs they plan to lay. 

Turtles are slow to reach sexual maturity and only have the chance to lay eggs once a year, with those eggs facing ample threat from predation. Losing just one mature adult can significantly impact a population. Ontario has 8 species of turtles, until last year the Midland Painted Turtle was the only species to not yet be listed as a species at risk. However, in 2018 the Committee of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) designated the species as Special Concern, making it so that all 8 species of Ontario turtles are considered species at risk.

Midland Painted Turtle, designated by COSEWIC
in 2018 as a species of
Special Concern

The species of Ontario turtles and their statuses are as follows: 

1) Blandings Turtle, listed as Threatened 

2) Eastern Box Turtle, listed as Extirpated (considered to no longer exist in Ontario)

3) Eastern Musk Turtle, listed as a species of Special Concern 

4) Northern Map Turtle, listed as a species of Special Concern 

5) Snapping Turtle, listed as a species of Special Concern 

6) Spiny Softshell Turtles, listed as Endangered 

7) Spotted Turtles, listed as Endangered 

8) Wood Turtles, listed as Endangered 

9) Midland Painted Turtle, listed as a species of Special Concern 

Reptiles, including turtles, account for a large portion of the wildlife killed on Ontario roads annually. Turtles in particular often lay their eggs on the soft substrate found roadside making it more likely for them to be struck while crossing. 

But you can help!! 

Concerned citizens and wildlife lovers alike can help make sure that Ontario's turtles can safely lay their eggs and make it back to their respective homes. Simply driving with caution during this time of year and paying particular attention to wildlife crossings is important. Further, if you see a turtle on a roadway you can help it across. It is very important that you always help a turtle across in the direction that they were traveling. They know where they are heading and if you turn them around they will simply cross the roadway again.
This graphic is helpful if you happen to find a turtle crossing the road:

To summarize some helpful tips: 

- always help turtles in the direction they were traveling 

- if it is a Snapping Turtle or Softshell turtle, they can be defensive on land as they are vulnerable so approach with caution 

- You can get a Snapping Turtle to grab onto a sweater or stick and gently lead them across. The best method is the "wheelbarrow". Snapping Turtles can reach back to their hind legs so you want to only touch them in the area between their hind legs at the back of their shell. You can put your hands on either side of the tail and gently lift the hind end only and slowly walk them across the road in a wheelbarrow fashion 

- Never risk your personal safety and be mindful of traffic on roadways 

- Never lift a turtle by their tail 

If you find an injured turtle that has already been struck you can refer to this Ontario Turtle page on how to get it to help. It is important to note that even if the female that has been struck may not live, the eggs she is carrying can be saved and incubated at a care facility so that the young will have a chance. Although the Turtle Centre is based in Peterborough they have over 30 Turtle Response Centres across Ontario at their disposal, from which they can organize a transfer to their hospital. Also, CBC recently released a short documentary about the Turtle Centre, which highlights the process of rehabilitating turtles, how eggs are incubated and monitored and the resilience of turtles! You can watch it here and learn even more about turtles in Ontario and their rehabilitation. 

You can also submit turtle sightings to the Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas. Scientists use this data to help monitor turtle populations and develop conservation strategies based on this information. 

If you want to learn more about Reptiles and Amphibians in Ontario, a great place to visit for the entire family is Scales Nature Park in Orillia. They also run the START (Saving Turtles at Risk Today) project aimed at improving turtle conservation.

Turtles are a precious part of our ecosystems here in Ontario and we can all take steps, particularly this time of year to help them thrive. 

Happy Nesting Season! 

Warmly, 

Heather