Help the 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.

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

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

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.”