Driving through Wellington County and come across a turtle on the road? Don’t fret, as a new emergency hotline is now available to assist. The Wellington Turtle Conservation Group recently introduced its hotline in response to the high turtle mortality rates in the county.
Sandy Nicholls, the founder of the Wellington Turtle Conservation Group, highlighted the urgent need for the hotline due to the abundance of wetlands, gravel pits, and turtles in Wellington County. She emphasized that many individuals would contact the group’s social media platforms regarding stranded turtles without providing precise locations.
The turtle hotline aims to gather essential information by asking specific questions to pinpoint the exact location of the stranded or injured turtle. Nicholls stressed the importance of the hotline during nesting season, with male turtles being most active in May and females in June.
The predominant turtle species in Wellington County, particularly snapping turtles and painted turtles, are facing a significant decline. Nicholls shared anecdotes from landowners noticing a substantial reduction in turtle populations over the years due to factors such as road mortality, habitat loss, and illegal poaching.
While snapping turtles are classified as a species at risk in Ontario, specifically labeled as special concern, Midland and eastern painted turtles are federally identified as special concern. The government of Canada attributes the decline in painted turtles to the loss of approximately 70% of wetlands in southern Ontario over the past two centuries.
Nicholls emphasized the importance of contacting the hotline even if a turtle appears deceased or severely injured. Injured turtles are transferred to the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre for medical treatment, where they may undergo procedures like pinning and screwing to aid in their recovery.
Nicholls encouraged individuals to report deceased turtles as well, as female turtles may still carry eggs. These eggs can be extracted, incubated, and released back into their natural habitat. The Wellington Turtle Conservation Group’s efforts encompass responding to turtle emergencies, safeguarding nests, rescuing hatchlings, and reintroducing them to suitable environments.
For reporting injured turtles anywhere in Ontario, individuals can also contact the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre hotline. To reach the Wellington Turtle Conservation Group hotline, dial 226-906-7014.
