Hello from Kelly at Think Turtle Conservation Initiative
The temperatures in most regions of Ontario are very unseasonable for this time of year.
A single-day warm day during the winter months may be a welcomed break for us. However, temperatures above zero can entice some turtles out of brumation (hibernation) and onto ice-covered bodies of water to bask in the sun. Most turtles could retrace their route and return under the ice. We need to consider the ones that may not be able to.
FOUND A TURTLE OR HATCHLING
We are especially concerned about the present weather patterns as there have been many days with temperatures above freezing. With this comes the worry of turtle hatchlings that are overwintering, picking up on these “false” spring-like conditions, and emerging from their nest at a time of year that could be challenging and harmful. There is a confirmed report of a turtle hatchling being found on Dec. 28th.
Turtles enticed out of brumation (hibernation) or hatchlings emerging from the nest cavity they were overwintering before spring thus “pre-maturely” could be exposed to concerning atmospheric conditions, terrain challenges, harsh weather, and plummeting nighttime temperatures; they are ill-equipped to cope with. In such cases, a turtle or hatchling can end up disoriented, cold-stunned, and displaced. Turtles and hatchlings in this state are at considerable risk and would likely not be able to survive and would also be easy prey for predators and vehicle strikes should they end up on a road.
STAY ALERT
During your travels on foot or in a vehicle today and any days this winter that are warmer than would be expected, please keep an eye out for dark-colored objects against the background of snow and ice or hatchlings unexpectedly showing up in driveways, yards, on the road, etc. Look around for the nest. Where there is one hatchling, there could be more.
Should you encounter a hatchling or nest “this time of year or during the winter,” please call the Ontario Turtle Conservation Center home to Ontario’s Turtle Hospital at 705-741-5000 ASAP. The OTCC provides medical attention to the turtle species native to Ontario at no charge and can arrange transportation to get an injured turtle to the OTCC or one of the first responders they work with if you cannot drive it to the turtle hospital. Note: The OTCC is now on winter hours, Monday to Friday, 9 – 5 pm, and Saturday, 9 – 3 pm. Please leave a message if after hours.
Note: If after hours and you have concerns or questions about a turtle rescue or other turtle-related matters, please contact Think Turtle 7 days a week. Phoning or texting is best 647-606-9537.
TURTLES ENTICED
Should you spot a turtle that has ventured onto a fully or partially ice-covered body of water, please take note. In most cases, the turtle is no doubt basking and quite acceptable. Binoculars can help determine a turtle’s behavior and well-being if a turtle appears unresponsive and makes no move to head back into the body of water under the ice, especially with the eminent of cooler night temperatures and/or a blast of snowy conditions.
If able to confirm that the turtle needs help, “PLEASE ” only venture out onto a frozen body of water to attempt a turtle rescue if you are sure of the stability of the ice. If you have any doubts, do not put yourself in danger! Contact people in your community who are experienced in such matters if a rescue is necessary. The public resources available in every community are different, so we cannot suggest precisely who to call, but an example might be the local fire department. They may have trained staff or volunteers, as well as the equipment for ice rescues, and will be familiar with the protocols in such emergencies. If not, they can point you in the right direction for assistance in your community.
When the turtle is retrieved, it may appear lifeless and be considered dead. Please do not assume the turtle is dead! Turtles can slow down their metabolism to such a degree that they can appear lifeless. Under such circumstances, even a fully qualified veterinarian would find it necessary to use an ECG to determine if a turtle has a heartbeat. Please call the Ontario Turtle Conservation Center home to Ontario’s turtle hospital at 705-741-5000 ASAP.
Please share this post with family, friends, and associates and ask them to do the same.
Be mindful of wildlife on the roads. The warmer temperatures and erratic weather patterns are disrupting many animals’ winter dormancy schedules.
Thank you for reading this post and watching out for wildlife.
Warm 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
Facebook Post: #1128
THINK TURTLE CONSERVATION INITIATIVE 