Driving through Wellington County and encountering a turtle on the road now comes with the support of a new emergency hotline dedicated to providing assistance. The Wellington Turtle Conservation Group recently launched its hotline in response to the concerning rate of turtle fatalities in the county.
Sandy Nicholls, the founder of the Wellington Turtle Conservation Group, emphasized the critical need for the hotline in Wellington County due to its abundant wetlands, gravel pits, and turtle population. She highlighted that the hotline was established to address the issue of individuals contacting the group’s social media platforms regarding stranded turtles without providing precise locations.
During nesting season, particularly in May for male turtles and June for females, the hotline plays a vital role in pinpointing the exact location of stranded or injured turtles. The declining population of snapping turtles and painted turtles in Wellington County has raised significant conservation concerns, with reports indicating a drastic reduction in turtle sightings in local ponds.
Factors contributing to the decline of turtle species in the area include road mortality, habitat loss, and illegal poaching. Notably, snapping turtles are classified as a species at risk in Ontario, categorized under special concern status.
While Midland and eastern painted turtles are federally recognized as special concern, they do not hold the same status in Ontario. The loss of approximately 70% of wetlands in southern Ontario over the past two centuries has led to a decline in painted turtle populations, as stated on the Government of Canada website.
Even in cases where turtles appear deceased or severely injured, Nicholls urges the public to contact the hotline for assistance. Injured turtles are referred to the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre for necessary medical attention, including procedures such as the use of pins and screws to aid in their recovery.
Nicholls stressed the importance of contacting the hotline even if a turtle is presumed dead, as females may still carry viable eggs. Extracting and incubating these eggs can contribute to the conservation efforts by releasing the hatchlings back into their natural habitat.
The Wellington Turtle Conservation Group is actively involved in responding to turtle-related calls, safeguarding nests, rescuing hatchlings, and releasing them into suitable environments. Additionally, Nicholls mentioned the availability of a hotline operated by the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre for reporting injured turtles across Ontario.
For assistance from the Wellington Turtle Conservation Group hotline, individuals can reach out by calling 226-906-7014.