Driving through Wellington County and encountering a turtle on the road? There’s now an emergency hotline to assist. The Wellington Turtle Conservation Group recently introduced its hotline in response to the concerning number of turtle fatalities in the area.
Sandy Nicholls, the founder of the Wellington Turtle Conservation Group, emphasized the pressing need for the hotline due to the abundance of wetlands, gravel pits, and turtles in Wellington County. Many individuals used to contact the group via social media about stranded turtles, but frequently omitted the location, prompting the establishment of this hotline.
During nesting season, particularly in May for male turtles and June for females, the hotline proves crucial. The predominant turtle species in Wellington County, such as snapping turtles and painted turtles, are facing a rapid population decline. Factors contributing to this decline include road fatalities, habitat destruction, and illegal poaching.
Notably, snapping turtles are designated as a species at risk in Ontario, classified as “special concern.” Additionally, Midland and eastern painted turtles hold federal “special concern” status, while not designated as such in Ontario. The loss of approximately 70% of wetlands in southern Ontario over the past two centuries has significantly impacted painted turtle numbers.
Even if a turtle appears deceased or severely injured, Nicholls urges people to contact the hotline. Injured turtles are directed to the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre for necessary medical care, including procedures like the use of pins and screws for treatment. Even in the case of a deceased female turtle, there may still be viable eggs within, which can be extracted, incubated, and released back into their native wetlands.
The efforts of the Wellington Turtle Conservation Group involve responding to turtle emergencies, safeguarding nests, nurturing hatchlings, and reintroducing them to suitable environments. Nicholls highlighted that the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre operates its own hotline for reporting injured turtles across Ontario.
For assistance from the Wellington Turtle Conservation Group hotline, individuals can dial 226-906-7014.