In Wellington County, motorists encountering turtles on the road now have access to a new emergency hotline for assistance. The Wellington Turtle Conservation Group recently introduced the hotline to address the high rate of turtle fatalities in the area. Founder Sandy Nicholls highlighted the pressing need in Wellington County due to the abundance of wetlands, gravel pits, and turtles.
Previously, individuals would contact the conservation group’s social media pages regarding stranded turtles without specifying the location. To address this issue, the turtle hotline was established, prompting callers with specific queries to pinpoint the exact location of the distressed turtle. This initiative is especially crucial during nesting season, with male turtles being most active in May and females in June.
The predominant turtle species in Wellington County, including snapping turtles and painted turtles, are experiencing a rapid population decline. Factors contributing to this decline include road fatalities, habitat destruction, and illegal poaching. Snapping turtles are considered a species at risk in Ontario and are classified as special concern.
While Midland and eastern painted turtles are federally labeled as special concern, they do not hold the same status in Ontario. The Canadian government’s website attributes the decline of 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, which may involve the use of pins and screws for rehabilitation. Additionally, if a deceased female turtle is found, there is a possibility of extracting and incubating eggs to contribute to conservation efforts.
The Wellington Turtle Conservation Group is actively involved in responding to turtle distress calls, safeguarding nests, collecting hatchlings, and releasing them into suitable environments. Nicholls mentioned that the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre operates its own hotline for reporting injured turtles across Ontario.
To reach the Wellington Turtle Conservation Group hotline, individuals can dial 226-906-7014.