Turtle nesting season is slowly winding down, but drivers are still encouraged to keep their eyes peeled for shelled critters on the side of the road.
If motorists encounter turtles on the streets, they are encouraged to stop and help the animals by guiding them away from traffic in whichever direction they are headed. It's important, according to the Junction Creek Stewardship Committee, to leave the turtles in their natural habitat.
Habitat loss has resulted in an increased number of turtles on the move. Oftentimes, their journey's have them trying to cross streets. The shoulder of the road is also a prime spot for females to nest.
While it may seem unconventional, the JCSC highly recommends leaving turtles where they are.
“Moving the turtles to what you believe would be a more suitable habitat could result in the death of the turtle,” said Kelsey Marchand, environmental stewardship intern for Junction Creek Stewardship Committee. “By removing them from these areas they are unable to find suitable habitat such as overwintering sites.”
Anyone who comes across a turtle in an unconventional place is welcome to report the sighting to organizations like the JCSC.
This summer the JCSC is completing a turtle population survey in the Junction Creek watershed. Anyone who comes across a turtle in the watershed, which includes Sudbury, Garson, Copper Cliff and Lively, is invited to get in touch with the committee. The information they require includes its behaviour and size, its location and, if possible, a picture to help confirm the species.
“If you see a Blanding’s turtle within the watershed, please contact the JCSC immediately,” the committee stated. “If you are outside of the watershed and come across turtles, the sightings are still very important to report. All sightings aid in determining turtle habitat as well as determining where mitigations can be put in place to help the turtles and other reptiles and amphibians.”
Get in touch with the committee at [email protected] or 705-525-8736.
