A new emergency hotline has been launched by the Wellington Turtle Conservation Group in response to an increase in turtle mortality in Wellington County. The hotline aims to assist motorists who encounter turtles on the road by providing immediate help. Sandy Nicholls, the group’s founder, emphasized the urgent need for this service due to the county’s abundance of wetlands, gravel pits, and turtles.
Nicholls highlighted that the hotline was established to address the issue of incomplete location information provided by individuals contacting the group through social media about stranded turtles. The hotline operators ask specific questions to pinpoint the exact location of the distressed turtle, especially crucial during the nesting season in May and June when turtle activity peaks.
The decline in turtle populations, particularly snapping turtles and painted turtles, in Wellington County is attributed to various factors, including road mortality, habitat destruction, and illegal poaching. Notably, snapping turtles are classified as a species at risk in Ontario and are designated as “special concern.”
Despite the condition of the turtle, Nicholls encourages people to contact the hotline for assistance. Injured turtles are transferred to the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre for medical treatment, which may involve surgical procedures like pinning and screwing. Even if a female turtle appears deceased, it is essential to call the hotline as it may still carry eggs that can be safely extracted, incubated, and released back into their natural habitat.
The efforts of the Wellington Turtle Conservation Group entail responding to turtle emergencies, safeguarding nests, caring for hatchlings, and reintroducing them to suitable environments. Additionally, the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre operates its own hotline for injured turtles found anywhere in Ontario.
For assistance from the Wellington Turtle Conservation Group hotline, individuals can reach out by calling 226-906-7014.