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Help the Turtles

cwf-fcf.org > English > What We Do > Turtles
  • What We Do
  • Saving Turtles At Risk (START)
  • THE CWF Eastern Ontario Turtle Project
  • Turtles and Fishing Hooks
  • Turtles

Background

Freshwater turtles are one of the most endangered groups of animals in Canada. The threats are relatively well known – the following threats are having the largest impact on turtle populations in general:

  • Road mortality
  • Habitat loss
  • Nest predation
  • Poaching for the pet trade

Currently all species of freshwater turtles in Canada have been designated species at risk by the federal government. But the Canadian Wildlife Federation believes that we can help conservation efforts for these at-risk species. We are working with partners and landowners, the government and YOU to move forward in helping freshwater turtles in Canada.

turtle

Goal of the Program

The Canadian Wildlife Federation continues to work with regional partners, community groups, lake associations and individuals to reduce risks to turtles. Our goal is to ensure the long-term survival of turtle populations by focusing on three key priorities: 1) protecting wetland habitat, 2) decreasing road mortality, and 3) increasing hatchling survival.

Our Current Turtle Projects

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Scales Nature Park
Central Ontario Turtle Project
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CWF Eastern Ontario
Turtle Project

Learn How to Help a Turtle Cross the Road

It is important to know when a turtle needs help and when it does not.

During late May and June, many turtles are crossing roads to get to the other side to find a place to lay their eggs. Those turtles need a turtle hero to move them safely off the road.

Did You Know?

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2,200
Number of turtles in the Ottawa and Muskoka area found dead on roads from 2017 – 2019
wetland icon
1,800
km2 area of wetland habitat protected in Muskoka and Ottawa area as a direct result of this program.
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36,000
Number of hatchlings CWF and partners released back into the Ontario wild after incubation.
nesting blanding turtle

How to tell if a turtle needs rescuing

  • It is unresponsive (it can be hard to determine if a turtle has died so err on the side of caution)
  • It has head or limb injuries, or cracks to its shell
  • It is found upside down and is unable to right itself, which may indicate dehydration and overheating

How to Help an Injured Turtle

If you have found a turtle hit by a vehicle, do not assume it is dead even if it is unresponsive. Turtles can survive major injuries. Aside from Snapping Turtles, most turtle species can be carefully picked up with two hands at the sides of their shell.

  • Place the turtle on a damp towel in a well-ventilated plastic bin with a secure lid. Do not provide any food or water.
  • Keep the container in a dark, quiet place away from people and pets. Do not provide any additional heat source for the turtle.
  • Contact a rehab centre for advice as soon as possible.
turtle by the road
fishing hook caught on turtle

Hooking a Turtle While Angling

Another widespread threat is the accidental hooking of turtles on fishing lines. Many freshwater turtles are vulnerable to getting caught on baited fishing hooks. Often anglers will simply cut the fishing line when a turtle is hooked, so the hook remains caught in the turtle.

If you are in one of the following provinces and hook a turtle call the provided phone number. Each agency will provide medical care to injured turtles at no charge and may be able to arrange transportation for the turtle. Keep the phone number in your tackle box in case you hook a turtle. For other provinces check for wildlife rehabilitation centres that work with turtles.

  • Manitoba: Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre (204) 878-3740
  • Ontario: Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (705) 741-5000
  • Atlantic Canada: Atlantic Wildlife Institute (506) 364-1902
Learn More

Turtle Species in Canada

Learn about the nine freshwater turtles in Canada, as well as the leatherback seaturtle.

Learn More

What You Can Do

eggs icon

Help Turtles and Build a Nest Protector


Help female turtles by building a nest protector.

Download Now >
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Leave fallen trees and branches in place along shorelines


Turtles use these as a platform for basking in the sun. If there aren’t any, you could even place some logs to give them a spot to bask.
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Slow Down!


Drive safely and slow down when approaching areas where wetlands are close to the road. This will give you enough time to safely avoid a turtle.
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Turtle Sighting


Use iNaturalist.ca or call us. In the Muskoka/Lake Simcoe Region: Call the START Hotline 705-955-4284. Your sightings (especially near highways) will help us determine active freshwater turtle areas, critical to CWF’s ongoing conservation efforts.

Log your Observation >
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Support the Canadian Wildlife Federation and its turtle and habitat projects


Your donation helps Canada's freshwater turtles and other species at risk.
Donate now >
popsicle icon

Support Freshwater Turtles with Oat & Mill Frozen Dessert!


When you purchase a pint of "Turtle Crossing", a percentage of the proceeds will support CWF's turtle conservation programs. Turtle Crossing is now available at Sobey’s, Whole Foods, Avril Supermarche Sante, and other independent retailers in Ontario and Quebec.

Find a Retailer >
turtle rescued from road

Turtle Awareness

Public engagement and awareness is essential in turtle conservation. Talk to your neighbours and the local community to bolster support for turtle conservation which can lead to direct actions to safeguard turtles.

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Papers & Handouts

research paper 1
What To Do if You Hook a Turtle in Ontario
research paper 2
What To Do if You Hook a Turtle in Manitoba
research paper 3
Turtles At Risk Infographic
research paper 2
How To Build a Turtle Nest Protector
research paper 2
Do turtle warning signs reduce roadkill?
research paper 2
What To Do if You Hook a Turtle in Manitoba
research paper 3
Turtles At Risk Infographic
research paper 2
Do turtle warning signs reduce roadkill?

Related Resources

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iNaturalist Project

david seburn

Program Lead

David Seburn

David Seburn is the Freshwater Turtle Specialist at the Canadian Wildlife Federation. David has worked on amphibian and reptile conservation for more than 20 years.

“Turtles are so amazing! They have been around since the time of the dinosaurs. Now all of Canada’s species of freshwater turtles are at risk. We can all do our part to help the turtles.”

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