BE WILDLIFE ALERT
Hello from Kelly at Think Turtle Conservation Initiative
Today’s and this week’s forecast across Ontario indicate milder temperatures, which could include double digits. Predicted temperatures could range from 6ºC – to 15ºC depending on which news source you consult. Although we may welcome these conditions in February and most certainly the break from shoveling or plowing snow, it is too soon for animals and plants to think winter is on the way out. Animals that brumate, such as turtles, snakes, and amphibians, could perceive this as a false spring and start emerging from winter dormancy. The concern arises with brumators not being able to cope with the plummeting nighttime temperatures, a sudden change in weather, and the projected forecast suggesting more winter weather to come.
UNEXPECTED SIGHTINGS
Last week, the milder temperatures encouraged a snapping turtle out of it’s winter hibernaculum, and it was observed on a road shoulder along Highway 62 near Madoc. Recently, the remains of a juvenile snapping turtle were found in the Bancroft area. This unfortunate incident may have resulted from an otter or mink finding the turtle while brumating or the turtle emerged prematurely during a mild spell. Turtles freshly out of brumation can be disoriented, slow-moving, even cold-stunned and particularly vulnerable to predators and vehicle strikes should they make their way to a road.
Unseasonable warm days can entice animals we don’t expect to see out, and about this time of year, motorists should be alert to potential road encounters. Wildlife spotted may not be as sure-footed and swift to get off the roads.
Protect yourself, other motorists, and the wildlife we share the roads with.
Slow down, eyes on the road and stay alert.
TURTLES IN DISTRESS
While brumating (hibernating), turtles remain alert to light and temperature changes.
They are, however, not expected to be out of brumation in February, but the erratic temperatures and weather patterns we are experiencing mean the possibility cannot be dismissed.
If you find an injured turtle, please call the Ontario Turtle Conservation Center (OTCC) 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. It can arrange transportation to get the turtle to the OTCC or one of the first responders they work with if you cannot drive it to the turtle hospital. Note: During the winter, the OTCC is on winter hours, 9 – 5 pm, seven days a week. Please leave a message if you call after hours.
The OTCC is located in Peterborough. They routinely admit injured and sick turtles from all across Ontario. Once treated and recovered, turtles are released back into the wild at their point of origin during spring to autumn. Reporting an injured turtle to the OTCC helps to ensure the best possible care for the turtle and increases their chances of survival.
TURTLE RESCUE
Should you observe a turtle that appears injured or in distress on a frozen body of water, “PLEASE” do not venture out on the ice and put yourself in danger! The stability of the ice is highly questionable at present after the mild winter we have been experiencing.
If a turtle rescue is necessary, contact people in your community who are experienced in such matters. 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 may be able to point you in the right direction for assistance in your community.
When the turtle is retrieved, it may appear lifeless. Do not assume the turtle is dead. Turtles can slow their metabolism to such a degree that even a fully qualified veterinarian would find it necessary to use an ECG to determine if a turtle has a heartbeat.
WILDLIFE IN DISTRESS
Should you encounter wildlife other than turtles in distress, please consult the Ontario Wildlife Rescue website for a Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry (MNRF) authorized wildlife rehabilitator in your area. It is a very informative and helpful website. http://www.ontariowildliferescue.ca
If you find a sick or dead wild animal other then turtles, report it to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) by phone at 1-866-673-4781 or online at https://cwhc.wildlifesubmissions.org/#/. Reporting sick or dead wild animals to the CWHC helps them monitor diseases in wildlife and keep Ontario’s wildlife healthy.
If you suspect a dead wild animal may have had rabies visit the provincial who to call section on their wildlife page https://www.ontario.ca/page/rabies-wildlife#section-5 or phone 1-888-574-6656 for advice.
Please share this information with family, friends, and associates and ask them to do the same.
If you have turtle-related questions, please do not hesitate to contact Think Turtle Conservation Initiative seven days a week by phone/text at 647-606-9537 or e-mail at thinkturtle@yahoo.com.
All wildlife, no matter how small, have an essential role in maintaining healthy functioning ecosystems that we rely on for the ecological services and goods provided. Thank you for helping protect Ontario’s wildlife.
Best Regards,
Kelly Wallace, Managing Director
Think Turtle Conservation Initiative
thinkturtle@yahoo.com
Facebook: thinkturtleci
Username: Wallace Kathleen Kelly
Website: thinkturtle.ca
Facebook Post: #1154
THINK TURTLE CONSERVATION INITIATIVE 