Save lives. Save a species

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF
NATURAL RESOURCES

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Help prevent turtle road mortality

Ontario's turtles are struck and killed by motor vehicles every year.

Some turtle populations are already under stress due to wetland loss and habitat degradation.

Road mortality can be significant and contribute to putting some turtle species at risk.

During the spring and summer, the threat of vehicles to turtles is at its highest.

This is especially true for females as they wander away from water in search of nesting sites.

Some even try to nest on gravel roads or on the shoulders of paved roads.

What can drivers do?

Watch the road carefully when you're driving, especially where the roads are close to wetlands and rivers.

Remember that turtles don't move very quickly, and their first response to danger is to pull into their shells.

If it’s safe to do so, you can help by moving a turtle off the road in the direction it was heading.

If the direction is unclear, choose the side with the better habitat (e.g. wetland).

Most turtles can be easily handled, but if in doubt, a shovel or stick may be gently used to encourage the turtle off the road.

Moving snapping turtles by hand is not recommended, as they may attempt to bite in defence.

About Ontario’s native turtles

There are eight species of turtles in Ontario, seven of which are considered species at risk under the province’s Endangered Species Act – Blanding’s Turtle, Eastern Musk Turtle, Northern Map Turtle, Spiny Softshell, Snapping Turtle, Spotted Turtle and Wood Turtle.

Turtles live a long time – some can live 90 years or longer!

Some turtles don’t start to lay eggs until they are at least 20 years old, and only a small number of eggs survive until adulthood.

Learn more

Check out Critter Crossings.

The Ministry of Transportation, in cooperation with the Ministry of Natural Resources, has developed and implemented various wildlife protection initiatives across the province.

Visit here to view the Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) list to learn about the status of various turtle species in Ontario.

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