How to Help Turtles at Risk

How to Help Turtles at Risk in the Upper Thames River Watershed

Small actions can make a big difference. Here are some simple ways to help turtles in your community:听

Do…

Brake for turtles that are crossing the road if it is safe to do so.

Adult turtles are critical for population survival because they reproduce slowly. Stopping to avoid hitting them can save decades of future turtle generations.听

Help turtles cross the road if it is safe to do so.

If a turtle is in danger on the road, move it in the direction it was heading. Turning it around will only cause it to try to cross the road again. However, do not move turtles over barriers (e.g., road medians) where they cannot return to their wetland habitat, or into unsafe areas like parking lots – even if that was the direction they were heading.

For snapping turtles, gently use a shovel, car mat, or stick for safety. Visit the for more information about safely handling a snapping turtle.

Report sightings of turtles, injured turtles, and turtle nests.

If you find an injured turtle, call the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre immediately at 705-741-5000 to ensure it receives care. If the turtle is unharmed or dead, please complete the UTRCA Turtle Reporting Form.

Help to conserve wetlands and turtle habitat wherever possible.

Protecting natural areas where turtles live, feed, and nest is one of the most effective ways to ensure their survival.听

Slow down and be aware when you see 鈥渢urtle crossing鈥� signs.

Many turtles are killed by cars, especially in spring and early summer when they are searching for nesting sites.听

Consider using a nest protector if a turtle has nested on your property.

Nest protectors keep predators like raccoons and skunks from digging up turtle eggs. If the nest is in an area where a nest protector will not work, or the young will be at risk when they emerge, report the nest using the UTRCA Turtle Reporting Form.

Avoid disturbing the ground in areas where you suspect turtle nests from June 鈥� September.

Turtle eggs incubate in the ground for weeks or months. Digging or heavy activity can destroy nests before they hatch. Some turtles (Midland Painted Turtle, Spotted Turtle, and Northern Map Turtle) may remain in their nest chamber until April-June the year after they were laid. All other local species generally hatch between August-October of the year they were laid.

Observe turtles in their natural habitat from a distance.

Turtles can become stressed if approached closely. Watching from afar allows them to behave naturally.听

Use Community Science apps such as iNaturalist to document wildlife.

Citizen Science data helps researchers learn more about turtle populations and plan conservation efforts. Rare species鈥� locations are hidden from the public to keep them safe. .

Don’t…

Never take turtles from the wild and keep them as pets.

This is illegal and removes breeding adults from the population. Most wild turtles do not adapt well to captivity and often die.听

Never buy native turtle species as pets; they often come from poachers.

Purchasing turtles fuels illegal wildlife trade and further harms wild populations.听

Never hurt, harass, or kill turtles or any other wildlife.

Harming turtles is illegal and threatens already vulnerable populations.听

Do not stay silent if you observe activities that harm turtles or other wildlife.

You can report illegal activities to conservation officers at the Ministry of Natural Resources TIPS line (1-877-847-7667) or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.听

If you care for a non-native pet turtle, never release it into the wild.

Pet turtles can carry diseases and compete with native turtles for food and habitat. Contact a local pet rescue instead.听

Do not publicly share the location of where turtles are nesting.

Sharing nest locations online can lead to poaching.

Never disturb a nesting turtle or dig up turtle eggs.

Nesting turtles are very vulnerable听and disturbing them can cause them to abandon the nest.听

Do not move healthy turtles out of their habitat.

Turtles know where they live and moving them can disorient them, making it harder for them to find food and shelter.听

Support Local Conservation Efforts

Southern Ontario鈥檚 native reptiles, including turtles, are disappearing at an alarming rate. Habitat loss, road mortality, pollution, climate change, and poaching are pushing populations to the brink. Many turtles in the Upper Thames River watershed are now listed as at risk.

The good news? With your help, we can protect turtles and the wetlands they depend on. Below are ways you can take action and support conservation programs in your community.

Support the UTRCA’s Southern Ontario At Risk Reptiles Program

Southern Ontario At Risk Reptiles (SOARR) is a specialized program focused on protecting at-risk turtles and snakes. Your donation supports habitat protection, nesting site monitoring and egg incubation, road mortality mitigation, field research, and public education. Every dollar helps protect these vulnerable species and the wetlands that many other animals call home.

Report Turtle Sightings and Nests

You can directly contribute to turtle conservation by reporting your sightings of turtles and nests. This information helps biologists track turtle populations and protect nesting and basking areas. Use our Turtle Reporting Form to share your observations. It only takes a few minutes and can make a big difference.

Help Injured Turtles Get Care

If you find a sick or injured turtle, please contact the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (OTCC) at 705-741-5000. The OTCC specializes in turtle rehabilitation and can guide you on how to help safely.

Volunteer and Advocate

Volunteers are essential to turtle conservation. Contact us to learn more about volunteer opportunities such as nest protection, habitat clean-ups, and public outreach. Share what you鈥檝e learned about turtles with your friends, family, and community. Every conversation helps build awareness and support for turtle conservation!

More Resources:

Thank you to Nature London for their sponsorship.