Ontario turtle species at risk

MNR News Release

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The Blanding’s Turtle is a Species at Risk in Ontario and is currently listed as ‘threatened’. Last Thursday evening, a Blanding’s Turtle was picked up on the side of Hwy 11 south. It had been hit by a vehicle and a portion of its shell (the carapace) was crushed and required veterinary assistance. The turtle was brought to the North Bay Animal Hospital where Dr. Don O’Connor gave it some antibiotics to help prevent infection and patched the turtle’s shell.

Later that day, the male Blanding’s Turtle, affectionately named ‘Franklin’, was released in a wetland close to where he was found – well back from the highway. The Ministry of Natural Resources would like to recognize the help from Dr. O’Connor and his staff at the North Bay Animal Hospital. Our hope is that this turtle continues to thrive and stays clear of the highway.

Turtles are often seen on roadsides at this time of year, especially females – as they attempt to nest on gravel roads or on the shoulders of paved roads. Unfortunately many of these turtles are hit and killed each year. This is a problem for many of the turtle species in Ontario because road ways often intersect their habitat. Habitat loss, habitat degradation and fragmentation along with traffic mortalities are the biggest threats facing this species at risk.

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Photos provided