Wellington County now has a new emergency hotline available for drivers who encounter turtles on the road. Launched by the Wellington Turtle Conservation Group in August, the hotline aims to address the high mortality rate of turtles in the area. Sandy Nicholls, the group’s founder, highlighted the urgent need for this initiative due to the abundance of wetlands, gravel pits, and turtles in Wellington County.
Nicholls emphasized the importance of the hotline, noting that many people previously contacted the group’s social media platforms regarding stranded turtles without providing location details. The hotline now prompts callers with specific questions to pinpoint the exact whereabouts of the stranded or injured turtle, particularly crucial during nesting season in May for male turtles and June for females.
The decline in turtle species, primarily snapping turtles and painted turtles, in Wellington County has been alarming, with reports of significant reductions in turtle populations. Factors contributing to this decline include road fatalities, habitat destruction, and illegal poaching. Snapping turtles are listed as a species at risk in Ontario, labeled as a special concern.
While Midland and eastern painted turtles are federally classified as special concern, they do not hold the same status in Ontario. According to the government of Canada, the loss of approximately 70% of wetlands in southern Ontario over the past two centuries has been detrimental to painted turtle populations.
Nicholls urges the public to contact the hotline even if a turtle appears dead or severely injured, as there may still be a chance to save its eggs. Injured turtles are transferred to the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre for medical treatment, including procedures such as pinning and screwing to aid in their recovery.
The Wellington Turtle Conservation Group is actively involved in responding to turtle emergencies, safeguarding nests, rescuing hatchlings, and releasing them into suitable environments. Nicholls also mentioned the availability of a hotline at the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre for reporting injured turtles statewide.
To reach the Wellington Turtle Conservation Group hotline, individuals can dial 226-906-7014.