Hello from Kelly at Think Turtle Conservation Initiative
Now that we are into October turtle season is most certainly winding down but not over yet. Autumn is a busy time for Ontario’s turtles and the other wildlife we share the roads with. Please be alert to possible encounters and remind other motorists in your household and visitors to do the same.
In this post, we share the answers to questions we get asked most often this time of year in case you are wondering about any of the same things. All great questions, by the way! ‘THANK YOU’ to the people who made these inquiries.
THE QUESTIONS
(1) When does turtle season officially end?
(2) What about turtle nests that have not hatched?
(3) When do I stop monitoring a nest that hasn’t hatched?
(4) Do I keep the nest protector installed during winter if the nest hasn’t hatched?
(5) What should I do about my Watch 4 Turtles sign?
(1) When does turtle season officially end?
There isn’t an official date for turtle season-ending. The timing varies every year based on weather patterns. Nest hatching activity and turtle sightings typically tapers off the further we get into October. We stay alert for any surprises and consider Halloween the end of turtle season.
Turtles recognize the changes in daylight hours and environmental conditions in September and October as indicators that it is time to head to winter habitat and brumate (hibernate). Some turtles will travel a short distance to winter habitat, others much further. The unfortunate aspect of any amount of travel is that due to Ontario’s vast network of roads, it is difficult for turtles to avoid crossing roads to get to where they need to go. Not surprisingly turtles may be observed crossing roads and ATV trails in rural communities, the outskirts of urban communities, and cottage country during October.
Odd as it seems projected forecasts indicate that winter like conditions could make an early appearance this year. Anomalies do occur in nature, so if you spot what looks like a turtle (hatchling/adult/juvenile) in the snow even as early as October or on an iced-over body of water during winter, please follow up.
Note: If this involves venturing onto an ice-covered body of water, ‘ice safety rules’ must prevail and should include seeking assistance from an individual or group specifically trained in this type of rescue, especially when the stability of the ice is questionable. Binoculars can help determine if what you see at a distance is a turtle before involving anyone in a rescue. It could be a piece of bark or some other natural debris.
If you spot a turtle injured or physically challenged in some way late in the season or over the winter, please call the Ontario Conservation Centre (OTCC) home of Ontario’s turtle hospital at 705-741-5000 when you have the turtle in your possession. They are located in Peterborough and admit turtles from all across Ontario. The OTCC offers medical care for turtle species native to Ontario at no charge. If you cannot drive the turtle to the OTCC or the nearest first responder, the OTCC will arrange a ride through their Turtle Taxi volunteers.
(2) What about turtle nests that have not hatched?
It may seem late, but many turtles nested later than usual this year due to the cool spring and early summer temperatures; as a result, some turtle nests may still hatch. The rain over the next few days after such a dry spell may entice some slowpokes out of their nest, so stay aware. Turtle species such as Painted, Map and Blanding’s might instead overwinter. Meaning the hatchlings will come out of their egg but remain in the nest chamber until the spring.
Some turtle nests may not hatch for a number of reasons. Briefly, this could be because the nest may have been a test nest or false nest, there were location challenges (excessive shade, the substrate holds too much water, etc.), age (young turtle), nest health, egg viability (not fertilized), environmental conditions (extreme heat/drought affected eggs during early stages of development), nest already hatched and exit hole got missed, improper nest protection (method used that did not allow enough access to sunlight, moisture, drainage or air circulation) or the hatchlings have stayed in the nest chamber and are overwintering. All of the above or a combination plays a part in why some nests have yet to hatch out; some will instead hatch out next spring, and some will not hatch out at all.
Note: Do not dig up or move turtle nests or attempt to incubate the eggs yourself. You may damage eggs, cause harm to developing hatchlings, or disturb hatchlings intending to overwinter, any of which can result in death. It is illegal for citizens to handle, move, or collect turtle eggs without an official permit. These are primarily issued for biologists and organizations within conservation conducting research or incubating eggs as part of a head-starting program. There are fines and penalties applicable to person(s) who are found to be engaging in such activities without a permit.
(3) When do I stop monitoring a nest that hasn’t hatched?
Monitoring a turtle nest is an investment of time and care. After monitoring a nest for months, anticipating its hatching, we know it is disappointing to face the fact that it hasn’t hatched. The 60 to 90-day incubation period is a guideline; often, nests hatch out after 90 days, and nests well past the 90 days can still hatch out. As the temperatures get progressively cooler in October, it is less likely that a nest will hatch out during this season, but not impossible even late into October. Some nests that have gone well past the 90 days may instead hatch out next spring, and some, sadly, for various reasons, will not hatch out at all.
Keep in mind that if you cannot continue monitoring a nest or have decided the time has come to stop monitoring a nest before the end of October, it means the nest will revert to natures ‘come what may’. If it is a nest with a nest protector installed, be sure the exit holes for the hatchlings are unobstructed. In the case of a nest that is not being watched, it is ‘hoped’ that if hatchlings do show up later than expected into October, nature will lend a hand and see that hatchlings safely find the way to their intended body of water.
When to stop monitoring a nest that has passed the general 90-day incubation period is a judgment call ‘YOU’ will have to make as you know all the variables involved. We can only offer information that can assist you in making this decision. Another option if you cannot continue monitoring a nest is to see if a family member, friend, or neighbor can oversee the nest. We continue to do spot checks on nests that have not hatched until single-digit daytime temperatures take hold in October.
(4) Do I keep the nest protector installed during winter if the nest hasn’t hatched?
If the turtle nest does not hatch by the end of October or before snow sets in, we recommend removing the nest protector. Be sure to mark the four corners where the nest protector was installed in some way on the ground so the location of the nest is easily identifiable, and the nest protector can be reinstalled in the early spring. Once the nest protector is reinstalled, diligently monitor the nest site again as the temperatures warm up and snow recede. Remember that whatever you use to mark the nest must withstand winter conditions and snow clearing if applicable. We often use golf tees as markers pushed into the ground flush with the surface.
Nest protectors left in place will be covered in snow for the winter and thus subjected to constant moisture and extreme cold, which could shorten the lifespan of a nest protector. If left installed in an area, human activities are possible, e.g., snowmobiling, snowplowing, etc., this could pose a safety concern and harm to the overwintering nest.
Should you decide to keep a nest protector installed on your property because there is no chance of any interference, take note of ‘ANY’ unusual warm weather spells and thawing and check on the nest, as anomalies cannot be predicted. When spring sets in, snow melts, and the nest is again exposed and subject to the sun’s warmth, be vigilant about monitoring the nest site.
(5) What should I do about my Watch 4 Turtles sign?
We recommend that anyone with a ‘Watch 4 Turtles’ sign installed on their property, whether one of the original wooden signs or the coroplast signs, remove their turtle sign so it can be stored indoors over the winter and reinstalled in the spring.
The wooden turtle signs were painted and varnished using exterior products, but if the signs can be spared the harsh winter weather, they will last longer. It would be nice to be able to use them for another turtle season or two.
The coroplast signs are designed to withstand the elements. Still, like the wooden signs, they should be removed to avoid encounters with snowplows, and turtle awareness signage is thought to have more of an impact when installed during turtle season April to October.
Should you have any turtle-related questions or concerns at any time of the year, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Phone or text Think Turtle at 647-606-9537 or contact us via e-mail at thinkturtle@yahoo.com or through Facebook messenger.
Working together grassroots efforts in combination with local, provincial and federal levels of government are essential to protect species at risk, their habitats and biodiversity overall. This will benefit our generation and generations to come. Thank you so much for helping the turtles in the ways that you do in your community it is a valuable contribution to species recovery efforts.
In the spirit of the season, we want to give thanks to the network of Volunteers, Partners, Friends, Supporters and Colleagues who make our mission to help turtles not just possible, but worthwhile. May this Thanksgiving be joyful, and the start of a happy holiday season and an even happier new year. Happy Thanksgiving!
Kindest Regards,
Kelly Wallace, Managing Director
Think Turtle Conservation Initiative
Cell/Text: 647-606-9537
E-mail: thinkturtle@yahoo.com
Facebook: thinkturtleci
Username: Wallace Kathleen Kelly
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THINK TURTLE CONSERVATION INITIATIVE 