SPECIAL CONCERN
Eastern Musk Turtle
Sternotherus odoratus
SPECIES
SPECIAL CONCERN
Painted Turtle
Chrysemys picta
ENDANGERED
Blanding’s Turtle
Emydoidea blandingi
ENDANGERED
Spotted Turtle
Clemmys gutattai
THREATENED
Wood Turtle**
Clemmys insculptai
** only one historical sighting
ENDANGERED
Spiny Softshell Turtle
Apalone spinifera
SPECIAL CONCERN
Common Snapping Turtle
Chelydra serpentina
As of 2018, all 8 of Ontario’s turtles are now considered species at risk – 7 of which reside in the OAC area. Since turtles take a long time to reach sexual maturity and only lay a small clutch of eggs each year, this makes them particularly vulnerable to population decline. The deaths of even just a few adults can cause significant negative impacts on the future of the species. The biggest threats to our turtles are road mortalities and habitat loss, along with egg predation from animals such as skunks and raccoons.
HOW CAN I HELP TURTLES?
- Watch out for turtles on roads
- Report your turtle sightings
- Restore or create wetlands on your property