Helping Ontario’s Turtles This Spring: Why Right Now Matters Most

 Turtles are on the move!

Snapping Turtle. Photo by Heather Kerrison.

Why You’re Seeing More Turtles Right Now

Across Ontario, turtles begin becoming more active in May, with movement increasing as they search for nesting sites. 

By late May and into June, this activity peaks, but it's already beginning.

That’s why you might start to notice:

• Turtles crossing roads
• Turtles farther from water than expected
• Increased activity near wetlands and shorelines

They’re not lost, they're simply trying to navigate new challenges, mainly road crossings. 

Why This Time Is So Risky

Spring movement is one of the most vulnerable times for turtles.

To lay their eggs, females often travel far from water, often crossing roads to reach warm, sandy areas.

Unfortunately, that’s where the biggest risk lies.

• Road crossings increase significantly during nesting season
• Many turtles are hit by cars while searching for nesting sites
• Even small disruptions can impact long-term populations

And because turtles take years, sometimes decades, to mature, every adult matters.

Painted Turtle laying eggs. Photo by Shayna Hartley. 

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 

Northern Map Turtle. Photo by Kristen Martyn.

Small Actions That Make a Big Difference

The good news?

The most impactful actions are also the simplest.

If you see a turtle on the road:

• Slow down and give it space
• If safe, help it cross in the direction it was already heading
• Never relocate it to a different area

If you find a nesting turtle:

• Keep your distance
• Avoid disturbing the nesting process
• Observe quietly and allow it to finish

In your own backyard:

• Avoid using pesticides near waterways
• Be mindful of where you mow or landscape
• Leave natural spaces where possible

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