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    • Who Are Turtle Guardians?
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    • Turtle Guardian Program Evaluation
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    • Our Centre – Contact Us
  • Helping Turtles
    • So you found a turtle…
    • 13 Ways to Help Turtles
    • Dapper Snappers
    • How Old is That Turtle?
    • Ways We Are Reducing Threats
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    • TG Blogs
    • Reducing Threats
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      • Parts of a Turtle
      • Blanding’s Turtle
      • Map Turtle
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      • Spiny Softshell Turtle
      • Spotted Turtle
      • Stinkpot Turtle/Musk Turtle
      • Wood Turtle
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13 Ways to Help Turtles

1. Watch for them on roads

Look out for turtles near natural areas, especially in valleys or near wetlands. Turtles are on the move from May to July and then September to October. They may nest at roadsides in June.

2. Never relocate a turtle

They have memorized their territories and cannot readily adjust to new areas. Moving them can result in their death. Keep them within 200 metres of where you found them.

3. Help them across

They move between habitats in their territory and should not be restricted to one site. If they were on the road travelling across (as opposed to nesting) and if it is safe to do so, move them in the direction they are heading.

4. Don't leave them to suffer

Turtles feel through their shells and can rebound from amazing injuries. If spotting an injured turtle, note the location, retrieve then, place them in a dry container, without food or water, and keep them warm but below 28/82 degrees, and call 705-741-5000

5. Never by the tail

Turtle's tails are part of their spine, and picking them up by the tail can lead to permanent spinal injuries, that may threaten their survival.

6. Never feed a turtle

Snapping turtles only snap on land in defense, and only in water when expecting food. When fishing, it is a good idea to change locations often. Also never feed a wild turtle, or even one that is in your care for a time because they are injured.

7. Don't take them as pets

It is illegal to have a native turtle as a pet in Ontario. Also, turtles imprint spatial memories of their territories when very young. They cannot easily adjust to new areas when older. Therefore, leave wild turtles, including hatchlings, wild.

8. Don't release sliders

Red Eared Sliders are sold in pet stores. They are an invasive species in Ontario that can outcompete our turtles and spread diseases too. Instead of releasing them, adopt them out to a caring person.

9. Report sightings and issues

Sightings help us plan ecopassages that help turtles navigate roads safely, as well decipher where to install alert signs for drivers. Sightings also help us track population trends and important elders or individuals. Take photos and record locations and send them to us or use the iNaturalist app or here on our website. It is illegal to harm or take a turtle. Report these crimes to Crime Stoppers and keep us in the loop

10. Don't fill or drain wetlands

Turtles use wetlands as hibernation and feeding sites, which they return to annually. The features and functions found at these sites cannot be duplicated easily and many wetlands take thousands of years to evolve to harbor the plants and soils needed for water regulation and filtration. Destroying wetlands harms turtle populations and other species too.

 

11. Care for habitat, including nests, on your property

Keeping natural areas and functions intact on your property is good for wildlife and the world. You simply need to keep your wildlife neighbours in mind to understand how to live in harmony with them.

12. Volunteer

Every turtle needs a turtle hero. We have many ways for you to get involved and become a Turtle Guardian in your community.

13. Learn more about turtles 

Turtles may be slow moving but they are not simple and understanding them is not straightforward! They are extremely interesting and surprising creatures with a lot to teach us!  You can join a presentation, webinar, or class with us to learn more.

 

When and Where to Watch for Turtles
nash an friends
How to Help a Turtle Across the Road
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Volunteer to Monitor Turtles
Report Your Turtle Sightings
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Help protect a nest on your property. Here's How
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Snapping Turtles and Your Lake
swimming snapper
Ways to Help Turtles on Your Property

If you see deliberate harm to turtles, use this guide below to obtain evidence and help authorities:

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