Driving through Wellington County and coming across a turtle on the road? A new emergency hotline is now available to assist. In response to the high turtle mortality rate in the county, the Wellington Turtle Conservation Group has launched its own hotline in August.
Sandy Nicholls, the founder of the Wellington Turtle Conservation Group, emphasized the urgent need in Wellington County due to the abundant wetlands, gravel pits, and turtle population. The hotline was established because many individuals contacting the group through social media about stranded turtles failed to provide precise locations.
During nesting season, which spans from May for male turtles to June for females, the hotline proves most crucial. The primary turtle species in Wellington County, particularly snapping turtles and painted turtles, are facing a rapid decline.
Nicholls highlighted road mortality, habitat loss, and illegal poaching as the primary factors contributing to this decline. Snapping turtles are designated as a species at risk in Ontario and are categorized as being of special concern.
Although federally labeled as special concern, Midland and eastern painted turtles 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 last two centuries.
Even in cases where a turtle appears deceased or severely injured, Nicholls urges individuals to contact the hotline. Injured turtles are transferred to the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre for necessary medical attention.
The Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre utilizes various medical procedures, including the use of pins and screws for treatment. Even in the event of a deceased turtle, it is essential to contact the hotline, as a female may still have viable eggs.
The conservation efforts of the Wellington Turtle Conservation Group involve responding to turtle calls, safeguarding nests, collecting hatchlings, and releasing them into suitable environments. Nicholls also mentioned the availability of a hotline operated by the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre for reporting injured turtles across Ontario.
For assistance, contact the Wellington Turtle Conservation Group hotline at 226-906-7014.