All About Ontario Turtles!
Ontario spotted turtle. 2021
Did you know that Southern Ontario has the largest number of native turtle species in Canada?
The 8 species that call Ontario home are the Spotted Turtle, Blanding's Turtle, the Eastern Spiny Softshell, Wood Turtle, Eastern Musk Turtle, Northern Map Turtle, Snapping Turtle, and the Painted Turtle. Unfortunately, all of these species are either endangered, threatened or a species of special concern in Ontario and/or Canada. This is largely due to the destruction or alteration of their natural habitats, which include lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes and bogs. The second-largest threat is road mortality, which is why we should be extra cautious when driving nearby a potential turtle habitat.
Thankfully, there are several organizations including the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority and the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, who protect and conserve Ontario's native turtles and their habitats. The good news is that you can help too by reporting your turtle sightings!
For uninjured turtles, use the Turtle sighting reporting form found on the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority website: https://www.abca.ca/community/turtles/. For injured turtles, please call the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre at 1-705-741-5000. Injured turtles require medical attention as soon as possible. For those interesting in learning even more about turtles, check out our list of 5 amazing facts about Ontario turtles!
Turtle crossing sign. 2021
1.) Turtle Shells are More Than Just an Accessory
A turtles shell is part of its skeleton! That means it is made of bone! This is why a turtle cannot leave its shell, but some species like the Blanding's Turtle can pull themselves entirely inside it. Other turtles, like the Eastern Spiny Softshell, have much softer, leathery shells, as the name implies.
2.) Turtles are Cold-Blooded
Turtles are ectothermic, which means they are "cold-blooded". They have to rely on the environment to warm their bodies, which is why they are often found basking in the sun. They cannot survive in the colder temperatures of the north.
A hand holding an Canadian Eastern Painted turtle. 2021
3.) Turtles Can Live for a Really Long Time
Most turtles can live for at least 30 - 40 years, while some species can live over 100! However, turtles are extremely vulnerable as babies, and unfortunately, most of them die before they even reach maturity, which can take up to 15-20 years.
4.) Turtles Care for Their Eggs…Well, Not Really
4.) Unlike birds, turtles do not tend their eggs or care for their young. A mother will search for a good spot to lay her eggs (which often requires her to cross a dangerous road) and then will never see them again. The eggs take about 2 to 3 months of incubation before they hatch into baby turtles.
5.) Turtles species can be identified by their colouring or markings
Most Ontario turtle species can be identified by their unique colouring or markings. For example, Blanding's Turtles have bright yellow chins and throats. Painted Turtles have a black shell with red or orange markings, and the Northern Map Turtle has many contour lines that look like a topographical map.
