Turtles That Walk On Water

Turtles That Walk On Water

By Kelly Wallace

Usually during the winter very few turtles are admitted to the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (OTCC) home of Ontario’s turtle hospital. Since January 1st there has surprisingly been over ’32’ admissions. There are a number of different scenarios that have contributed to this.

Stealing Turtles: Some admissions were the result of people removing turtles from the wild last year as pets. Individuals that did this either came to realize it is ‘illegal’ to remove turtles from the wild in Ontario and/or they discovered that caring for a turtle is far more then they bargained for. Whatever triggered the attack of conscious that led to doing the right thing and getting the turtle(s) to OTCC is encouraging.

Nest Disturbances: Some hatchlings were admitted this month because their overwintering nest site was accidentally disturbed by excavating activities. If anyone knows of such work being carried out any time of the year in areas turtles migrate, inhabit or nest be sure the property owner and contractors are aware of this and equipped with information about the OTCC and the contact number 705-741-5000.

Turtle Misadventures: There were turtles admitted to OTCC in the past couple weeks as a result of leaving their brumation (hibernation) site to go for a walk on the water.

A team of firefighters saw to a turtle rescue in Brampton thanks to the Heart Lake Turtle Troopers when a ‘non-native’ turtle species found her way out on to an ice covered lake. The red-eared slider was likely someone’s pet in the past and released into the wild, a practice that should ‘NOT’ be engaged in. When this adventurous slider is deemed in good health by the OTCC she will be transferred to the Lil RES Q, a privately-run shelter for red-eared sliders in Pefferlaw. This slider like so many others will be cared for in hopes of being adopted. If interested in talking with the Lil RES Q staff regarding adopting this slider or one of the other sliders up for adoption please research the subject first.

Sliders in captivity can live 30 to 50 years. It is important that sliders are adopted by people that understand the long term commitment, specific housing/nutritional requirements, financial aspects and responsibilities that go along with having a slider as a pet. Hoping this red-eared slider with a story to tell finds a forever home. Lil RES Q website http://www.littleresq.net.

Winter Sightings

An aspect of winter that eases the mind is knowing that for at least 5 months of the year the Ontario turtles are off the roads. This expectation is being put to the challenge this winter as there has been a number of days with temperatures above freezing and in the 5°C – 10°C range. It is the response turtles have to these false spring like conditions that is reason for concern.

Mild temperatures during the winter months throw in some sunshine can entice turtles out of brumation and onto ice covered bodies of water to bask. Most turtles would find their way back under the ice or to their brumation site. This may however not be the case. Turtles pre-maturely out of brumation could easily be disoriented by the temperature dropping or a sudden change in weather. A turtle facing this could end up ‘cold stunned’ and trapped on the ice. This runs the risk of a turtle being vulnerable to predators and/or exposed to plummeting nighttime temperatures and weather conditions the turtle would not be able to survive.

One of the turtles recently admitted to OTCC is a Musk Turtle that was rescued by a concerned citizen and is now recovering at the OTCC having had his back leg chewed off. The turtle is recovering and doing well despite his gruesome encounter.

Is That A Turtle?

Should you spot something against the backdrop of winter in the coming days or weeks, especially as we get closer to spring, that may be a turtle use binoculars to determine if it is. A turtle observed will likely be basking and quite fine. If the turtle appears unresponsive especially with cooler night temperatures or a blast of snowy conditions eminent this is reason for concern.

If able to confirm the turtle is in need of help ‘PLEASE’ do not venture on to a frozen body of water to attempt a turtle rescue unless you are absolutely sure of the stability of the ice. Any doubts, do not put yourself in danger! If a rescue is necessary in the Bancroft area inform Think Turtle of this. The public resources available in every community vary. The local fire department will have trained staff or volunteers, as well as the equipment for ice rescues and will be familiar with the protocols in such emergencies.

A turtle retrieved in such circumstances may appear lifeless, please do not assume the turtle is dead! Even veterinarians have to use an Electrocardiogram (ECG) to determine if a turtle has a heartbeat or not. Contact OTCC at 705-741-5000 ASAP. The OTCC provides medical attention for injured turtles found anywhere in Ontario at no charge and can arrange transportation to get the turtle to the OTCC or the nearest first responder if you are not able to drive the turtle there. The OTCC winter hours are 9 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week. Leave a message if no one answers the phone or calling after hours.Note to Turtles, please stay put until spring!

Hands Off Signs

Some news to share! As part of ongoing efforts to have Bill 23 repealed, stop Greenbelt development and protect wetlands from destruction Environmental Defence has had ‘Hands Off’ lawn signs printed. The signs read ‘Hands Off The Greenbelt!’ on one side and ‘Save Ontario’s Farms, Forests & Wetlands’ on the other side. Think Turtle has arranged to be the sign pick-up location for North Hastings. We hope to have the signs in stock within 2 – 3 weeks for anyone interested in installing one on their property. For more information about petitions and rallies checkout the Environmental Defence website http://www.environmentaldefence.ca.

To contact the author e-mail thinkturtle@yahoo.com or visit the Think Turtle Conservation Initiative website at http://www.thinkturtle.ca.

This article was featured in our bi-weekly column ‘Turtles and then some’ in the Bancroft Times, 25/01/2023.