A new emergency hotline has been introduced in Wellington County to assist those who come across turtles on the roads. Launched by the Wellington Turtle Conservation Group in August, the hotline aims to address the high turtle mortality rates in the county.
Sandy Nicholls, the founder of the Wellington Turtle Conservation Group, emphasized the urgent need for the hotline due to the significant presence of wetlands, gravel pits, and turtles in Wellington County. She mentioned that many individuals used to contact the group’s social media platforms regarding stranded turtles without specifying the location, prompting the establishment of the hotline.
During nesting season, which sees heightened turtle activity in May for males and in June for females, the hotline plays a crucial role in identifying the exact location of stranded or injured turtles. The predominant turtle species in Wellington County, primarily snapping turtles and painted turtles, are experiencing a rapid decline, according to Nicholls.
Factors contributing to this decline include road mortality, habitat loss, and illegal poaching. Snapping turtles are listed as a species at risk in Ontario, designated as a matter of special concern. While federally classified as special concern, Midland and eastern painted turtles do not hold the same status in Ontario.
The loss of approximately 70% of wetlands in southern Ontario over the past two centuries has significantly impacted the painted turtle population, as indicated on the Government of Canada website. Even in cases where turtles appear deceased or severely injured, Nicholls encourages individuals to contact the hotline for assistance.
Injured turtles are transferred to the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre for medical treatment, including interventions such as pins and screws for injuries. Nicholls stresses the importance of contacting the hotline even if a turtle is deceased, as it may still contain viable eggs that can be extracted, incubated, and released back into their natural habitat.
The efforts of the Wellington Turtle Conservation Group involve responding to turtle-related calls, safeguarding nests, rescuing hatchlings, and releasing them into suitable environments. Additionally, Nicholls highlighted that the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre operates its own hotline for reporting injured turtles across Ontario.
To reach the Wellington Turtle Conservation Group hotline, individuals can call 226-906-7014.