Conservation Centre Ready For Another Year to Help Injured Turtles
/As we get to embrace spring weather, turtles are emerging everywhere and are at risk of being injured.
Dr. Sue Carstairs (pictured) graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife. She completed Ontario Veterinary College in 1987 following her degree. Photo Courtesy Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre.
The Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, a local charity, is getting prepped for another busy season. The Peterborough turtle hospital is the only one in the province and admits approximately 1,000 turtles a year.
If you see an injured turtle in Ontario, you can contact the centre to get the it transported from one of 900 volunteer drivers across the province or bring it in yourself.
When fishing, do not leave behind hooks, especially with bait as it can hurt them according to Carstairs. Photo Courtesy Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre.
A common injury is from being run over by vehicles, the second biggest threat to turtles after habitat loss. Dr. Sue Carstairs gives tips on how to help turtles cross the road if you encounter them while driving.
“Pull over and put on your flashers,” she said. “Pick it up and move it in the direction it’s heading. Don’t cross unless it’s safe.”
It can take a snapping turtle 60 years to produce enough eggs to be able to replace itself. Photo Courtesy Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre.
Turtle conservation is important for the environment since they help with wetlands maintenence. They act as a filter for healthy water sources according to Carstairs.
Report dead turtles to the conservation centre since they can still incubate and hatch the eggs through their hatchling program if the mother has any.
Once hatched and ready, the centre will release the newborns roughly one kilometre within the location of where they were found in an appropriate body of water.
Turtles given to the centre stay there for a minimum of 8-12 weeks before being released into the wild. Photo Courtesy Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre.
