FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nova Scotia’s Turtles on the Move
May 23, 2013 (Halifax, NS) – “Why did the turtle cross the road?” Nova Scotia has four species of
freshwater turtles – and they continuously cross over roads to get to the different habitats they use for
feeding, nesting, and spending the winter. So yes, they do need to cross the road, and as everyone
knows – turtles move slowly.
Today is World Turtle Day, founded to raise
awareness about turtle conservation issues
and to highlight ways each of us can help to
protect turtles. The Nova Scotia Nature Trust
(NSNT) and the Mersey Tobeatic Research
Institute (MTRI) are celebrating World Turtle
Day, and wish to spread the message about
turtles on the roads at this time of year.
“Late May through early July is a busy time for
our turtles as they search for a place to lay
their eggs,” said Jeffie McNeil, Species at Risk
Biologist at MTRI. “During this time they are
often seen crossing roads and ATV trails as
they travel. They often try to nest on gravel
roads and on the sides of paved roads, putting
them further at risk.”
Three of the four species of freshwater turtles in Nova Scotia are considered at risk. Blanding's turtles,
wood turtles and snapping turtles are all turtles the public may see on roads, and all are at risk of
extinction. Human activities contribute to the threats to these species through the use and degradation
of their habitats. Road mortality is another leading cause of death among these species.
“The Nature Trust has permanently protected some of the best remaining habitat for these turtles but
the turtles still need to move around. People can help by simply slowing down and looking for turtles on
the roads to avoid hitting them.” said Cristi Frittaion, Conservation Coordinator at the NSNT. “Turtles are
important to all aspects of our lives – we have given them ecological, cultural, spiritual, and other
values. Protecting them is a way of protecting these values. It is also a way of protecting them for future
generations to experience and enjoy.”
The researchers at MTRI suggest that if people do encounter turtles in the middle of the road, and wish
to move them off to the side, they
should always place the turtles in the
direction they were heading. “We don’t
encourage people to handle turtles, but
if they do, they should be particularly
careful with snapping turtles, which can
bite and scratch.” McNeil commented.
“Always handle turtles from the back of
the shell, and never pick them up by
the tail.”
Researchers at MTRI encourage the
public to report Blanding’s and Wood
turtle sightings. “If you see one, make a
note of the location, take a photo if you can, and send the description to www.speciesatrisk.ca/sightings
or email [email protected]” said McNeil.
For more information on World Turtle Day, turtles in Nova Scotia, or to see what the public can do to
help this gentle and ancient species, contact MTRI at [email protected] or the NSNT at
[email protected].
Snapping turtle on the road. (Photo credit: Jeffie McNeil)