Wellington County has introduced a new emergency hotline for assisting turtles found on the roads. The initiative was launched by the Wellington Turtle Conservation Group in response to the high mortality rate of turtles in the county.
Sandy Nicholls, the founder of the conservation group, emphasized the necessity of the hotline due to the significant turtle population in Wellington County, which includes wetlands and gravel pits. Previously, people would contact the group’s social media pages about stranded turtles without providing specific locations.
The hotline now prompts callers with targeted questions to pinpoint the exact location of the stranded or injured turtle, particularly crucial during nesting season when male turtles are active in May and females in June. The county is primarily home to snapping turtles and painted turtles, both of which are facing a rapid decline in numbers.
Factors contributing to the decline include road mortality, habitat loss, and illegal poaching. Snapping turtles are listed as a species at risk in Ontario, designated as special concern. Additionally, Midland and eastern painted turtles are federally labeled as special concern due to the loss of wetlands in southern Ontario.
Nicholls encourages people to contact the hotline even if a turtle appears dead or severely injured, as the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre can provide medical care, including surgeries to mend injuries. If a female turtle is found deceased, there is a possibility of extracting and incubating eggs from the body for conservation efforts.
The Wellington Turtle Conservation Group is actively involved in responding to turtle calls, safeguarding nests, rescuing hatchlings, and releasing them into suitable environments. For injured turtles outside Wellington County, individuals can contact the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre hotline.
To report a turtle in need of assistance in Wellington County, call 226-906-7014.
