A new emergency hotline has been launched by the Wellington Turtle Conservation Group in response to the high turtle mortality rates in Wellington County. The hotline aims to assist individuals who come across turtles on the road while driving through the area.
Sandy Nicholls, the founder of the group, emphasized the necessity of the hotline due to the significant turtle population in Wellington County, which is home to various wetlands and gravel pits. She mentioned that many people would contact the group’s social media pages regarding stranded turtles but often failed to provide the precise location.
During nesting season, which sees heightened turtle activity in May for male turtles and June for females, the hotline plays a crucial role in identifying and aiding stranded or injured turtles. The primary turtle species in the county, including snapping turtles and painted turtles, are facing a rapid decline, as observed by local landowners.
Factors contributing to the decline in turtle populations include road mortality, habitat loss, and illegal poaching. Snapping turtles are listed as a species at risk in Ontario, categorized as special concern. Additionally, midland and eastern painted turtles are federally labeled as special concern due to habitat loss in southern Ontario.
Even if a turtle appears deceased or severely injured, individuals are encouraged to contact the hotline. Injured turtles are often transferred to the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre for medical treatment, including procedures like pinning and screwing fractured shells. Nicholls emphasized the importance of reporting deceased female turtles, as they may still carry 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. Nicholls also highlighted the availability of a hotline provided 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.