Driving through Wellington County and encountering a turtle on the road? A new emergency hotline is now available for assistance. The Wellington Turtle Conservation Group recently introduced its dedicated hotline in response to the high mortality rate of turtles in the county.
Sandy Nicholls, the founder of the Wellington Turtle Conservation Group, emphasized the urgent need for the hotline due to the abundance of wetlands, gravel pits, and turtles in Wellington County. She explained that previously, individuals would contact the group’s social media platforms regarding stranded turtles but often failed to provide the exact location.
During nesting season, which peaks in May for male turtles and June for females, the hotline proves to be crucial. The primary turtle species in Wellington County, mainly snapping turtles and painted turtles, are facing a significant decline. Landowners have reported a drastic reduction in turtle populations, attributing it to road mortality, habitat loss, and illegal poaching.
Notably, snapping turtles are classified as a species at risk in Ontario, labeled as “special concern.” The federal government designates Midland and eastern painted turtles as “special concern,” citing a substantial loss of wetlands in southern Ontario as a leading cause for their decline.
Regardless of the turtle’s condition, whether it appears deceased or severely injured, Nicholls urges individuals to contact the hotline. Injured turtles are promptly transferred to the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre for medical treatment, including procedures like pinning and screwing to mend injuries. Even if a deceased female turtle is discovered, there is a possibility that it may still contain viable eggs that can be extracted, incubated, and eventually released back into their original habitat.
The Wellington Turtle Conservation Group is actively involved in responding to turtle emergencies, safeguarding nests, caring for hatchlings, and releasing them into suitable environments. Nicholls highlighted that the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre operates its hotline for reporting injured turtles statewide.
For assistance or reporting turtle-related concerns in Wellington County, individuals can contact the Wellington Turtle Conservation Group hotline at 226-906-7014.
