Talking about Turtles
This topic is of special importance to me. This post is perfectly suited for this time of year as I volunteer to transport injured turtles, to wildlife rehabilitators, who are injured in their nesting pursuits. My partner and I are always on the lookout for turtles who endanger themselves crossing busy roads to get to a preferred nesting sight. The results are not always positive or pleasant.
June is a crucial month for turtles in Ontario, as it marks the peak of their nesting season. During this time, female turtles leave the safety of wetlands, rivers, and lakes to search for suitable nesting sites, often crossing roads and facing numerous dangers in the process. Given that many turtle species in Ontario are already at risk, their survival depends on conservation efforts and public awareness. This article explores the nesting behavior of turtles, the challenges they face, and what people can do to help protect them.
Turtles have been following the same nesting rituals for millions of years. In Ontario, eight species of turtles exist, including the painted turtle, snapping turtle, Blanding’s turtle, and spiny softshell turtle. While their nesting habits vary slightly, the general process remains consistent across species.
As temperatures rise in late May and early June, female turtles begin their journey from water bodies to upland areas. They are instinctively drawn to sandy or gravelly soil, which provides the right conditions for egg incubation. Using their hind legs, turtles dig a shallow nest, usually a few inches deep. The location is critical: too wet, and the eggs may rot; too dry, and they may not develop properly. Depending on the species, a turtle can lay anywhere from 3 to 100 eggs in a single nest. Snapping turtles, for example, lay large clutches of up to 80 eggs, while Blanding’s turtles typically lay around 10-20.
Once the eggs are laid, the mother turtle carefully covers them with soil or sand to conceal them from predators. After this, she returns to the water, leaving the eggs to develop on their own. The eggs incubate over the summer, with hatchlings emerging in late August or early September. The temperature of the nest determines the sex of the offspring: warmer nests produce more females, while cooler nests produce more males.
Despite their ancient survival strategies, modern threats have made turtle nesting season a dangerous time. One of the greatest threats to turtles in Ontario is road mortality. As turtles move between wetlands and nesting sites, they frequently crossroads, putting them at risk of being hit by vehicles. This is particularly dangerous for adult females, whose deaths can severely impact population numbers since turtles take many years to reach reproductive maturity.
Many turtle species move slowly, making them vulnerable to traffic. If you see a turtle on the road, move it in the direction it was heading. Some areas have turtle crossing signs, indicating high-risk zones.
Raccoons, skunks, and foxes are known to raid turtle nests, consuming eggs before they can hatch. In some areas, over 90% of nests are destroyed by predators, significantly reducing the number of hatchlings that survive. Wire mesh cages can be placed over nests to prevent predators from digging up the eggs. Avoid leaving garbage or pet food outside, as this can attract raccoons and skunks.
Wetland loss due to urban development, agriculture, and pollution has drastically reduced the natural nesting areas available to turtles. When their habitat is destroyed, turtles are forced to nest in less suitable locations, including roadsides and gravel shoulders, further increasing their risk of mortality.
Conservation efforts vary. Supporting conservation groups that work to preserve and restore wetland habitats can help maintain turtle populations. Wildlife corridors, underpasses, and protective fencing can significantly reduce road deaths.
Turtles play a vital role in Ontario’s ecosystems. As scavengers and predators, they help keep aquatic environments clean by consuming dead fish and vegetation. Their presence is a sign of a healthy wetland ecosystem. However, with seven out of Ontario’s eight turtle species listed as at-risk, their future is uncertain.
According to the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), the following Ontario turtles are at risk: Blanding’s Turtle (threatened) recognizable by its bright yellow throat. Snapping Turtle (special concern), the largest freshwater turtle in Ontario often seen crossing roads in June. Spiny Softshell Turtle (endangered) which is a rare species with a distinctive leathery shell. Wood Turtle (endangered) known for its intelligent behavior and preference for riverbanks.
There are many ways individuals can help protect turtles during their nesting season. Report sightings – many conservation organizations, such as Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (OTCC), track turtle populations. Reporting a sighting helps researchers understand movement patterns and threats. Build nesting sites – if you have property near a wetland, creating a sandy nesting area can encourage turtles to lay eggs in a safe location. Support wildlife rehabilitation centers – injured turtles, especially those hit by cars, can often be treated and released back into the wild. Donations and volunteer efforts help these centers operate. Educate others – spreading awareness about the dangers turtles face can encourage more people to take action.
June is a critical month for turtles in Ontario as they embark on their annual nesting journey. Unfortunately, human activity has made this natural process increasingly perilous. From road mortality to habitat destruction, turtles face numerous challenges that threaten their survival. However, through conservation efforts, habitat protection, and public awareness, we can help ensure that these ancient reptiles continue to thrive in Ontario’s ecosystems. The simple act of slowing down on the road or assisting a turtle across can make a significant difference in the survival of these remarkable creatures.
