At-risk turtles on the move in Thames River watershed

It's turtle nesting season in Southwestern Ontario and conservation authorities are asking the public to keep an eye out for turtles along roads, in yards and on driveways.

Currently, seven of Ontario's eight turtle species are listed as at-risk with drivers often bearing responsible for their low numbers.

"We see a lot of problems with populations decreasing simply because so many are being killed on the roads," says Scott Gillingwater, species at risk biologist for the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority.

He's asking driversto stop and when safe to do so, move them. Gillingwaterexplainsit could save the life of an animal that can be many decades old.

How do you move a turtle across the road?

"Some people carry a snow shovel in the trunk of their car, especially for a big snapping turtle which will often bite to defend itself because it's vulnerable on land," says Gillingwater.

Smaller turtles can be picked up from the back of the shell.

"Hold them close to the ground just in case they slip because sometimes they do try to kick at you, then move them to the side of the road that's closest to available water."

Another important tip

If you find a turtle nesting on your property, do not disturb her as the eggs may take 60 to 100 days to incubate. Gillingwatersaidit's important not to cause too much commotion around the site.

The conservation authority is always interested in sightings of the following species:

• The Spotted turtle (Endangered): asmall turtle, 10-12 centimetres long, with a black shell and small yellow spots.
• The Blanding'sturtle (Threatened):amedium-sized turtle, 18-23 centimetres, with a black high-domed shell, often with yellow flecks and a bright yellow throat.
• Spiny Softshellturtle (Endangered): a large sized turtle (females 35-46 centimetres, males 20-24 centimetres) with a green to brown flat, leathery shell, with a long neck and long-snorkel-like snout.

If you see any of these at-risk species, contact the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority.