Helping Ontario’s Turtles: Small Actions, Big Impact

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. 

Snapping Turtle. Photo by Heather Kerrison.

Why Ontario’s Turtles Need Us: 

Of the eight turtle species native to Ontario, all are now considered at risk. Their slow reproductive rates and long lifespans make them particularly vulnerable to threats like habitat loss, road mortality, and nest predation. It can take a female turtle 10 to 20 years to begin laying eggs and many won’t survive that long. 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. 

Turtles play a crucial role in wetland ecosystems by keeping them clean and balanced. When turtle populations decline, the health of the entire ecosystem can follow. That’s why even one lost turtle can make a difference — and why each one we help matters.

Of all of the turtle species occurring in Ontario, almost all of them have a Species at Risk status, ranging from extirpated to endangered to species of special concern. 

According to Ontario Nature: 

Blandings Turtle - Threatened
Eastern Box Turtle - Extirpated 

Eastern Musk Turtle - Special Concern 

Midland Painted Turtle - Special Concern 

Northern Map Turtles - Special Concern 

Snapping Turtle - Special Concern
Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle - Endangered 

Spotted Turtle - Endangered 

Western Painted Turtle- Not at Risk 

Wood Turtle - Endangered 

Blandings Turtle. Photo by Kristen Martyn. 

Northern Map Turtle. Photo by Kristen Martyn. 

Ways You Can Make a Difference

• Brake for turtles: During nesting season (May to July), turtles often cross roads looking for places to lay eggs. Slow down near wetlands and watch for movement on the road. If safe, help a turtle cross in the direction it was heading — never pick it up by the tail.

• Protect nests: If you find a turtle nesting on your property, you can gently protect the area with wire mesh to prevent predators from digging up the eggs. Just make sure the hatchlings will have a way out when the time comes.

• Create safe spaces: Gardens near wetlands can become mini sanctuaries with native plants and shallow ponds. Avoid using pesticides or mowing near shoreline areas where turtles might be hiding.

• Report sightings: Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre and other organizations collect data from citizen reports to track populations and hotspots. 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. 

• Your observations help guide protection efforts.

• Support rehab efforts: Injured turtles brought to places like the OTCC often get a second chance — and their released offspring help future generations thrive.

Painted Turtle. Photo by Heather Kerrison.

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