Turtle colouring winners

Turtle colouring contest winners announced 

Local students win book prizes for winning entries in World Turtle Day Colouring Contest

 

Ausable Bayfield Conservation presented copies of the children’s book Never Give Up by Janet Everett to winning entries in the ages 6 and under category of the conservation authority’s first World Turtle Day Colouring Contest. The contest organizers presented the prize of Photo Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Ontario by Scott Gillingwater and Alistair MacKenzie, to the winners in the ages 7-12 category.

Sixty-five local young people submitted entries. “I was very pleased with the response to this contest,” said Hope Brock, Healthy Watersheds Technician with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA). “All the entries were wonderful. The judges found it very hard to pick just a few winners. I want to thank each and every one of the young people who took the time to use their artistic talent to celebrate Ontario turtle species.”

Seven of Ontario’s eight native turtle species are at risk. The contest was held to increase awareness about native turtles and the risks they face, said Brock. She said the contest was a way for youths to think about turtles and what they mean and also a chance to educate the public about how to protect local turtles and why we need to protect them. A healthy ecosystem depends on having different species that each plays a role to keep the system of water and land healthy. Turtles play a key role in that healthy ecosystem. “Some turtles serve as scavengers,” Brock said. “They help to clean our creeks and wetlands by eating dead and decaying fish and other organisms. They also control aquatic vegetation.”

Mature turtles may live a long time but turtles reproduce at a low rate. Any time a reproducing female turtle dies, or any adult turtle dies, there is an impact on the future of the species. At this time of year (late May to early July), when turtles cross roads to seek a place to nest, they face higher risk from vehicles on the road.  They are also at risk from a loss of habitat, and from other animals that eat their eggs.

“I want to thank all the drivers who are taking extra care to keep their speed down and to watch for turtles,” said Brock. “I’d like to also thank the people who are helping to safely move turtles across the road in the direction they are heading.” 

Turtles reach maturity anywhere from 10-20 years of age. Once they begin to reproduce, the likelihood that one of their offspring survives to adulthood is very small.  In general, a female Snapping Turtle has to lay about 1,400 eggs in her lifetime just to have one of her offspring survive to adulthood. “If you can save even one adult by safely moving it across the road, in the direction it is headed, you can help to conserve that species,” said Brock.

Small turtles, like Painted Turtles, can be picked up on the sides of their shells and moved across the road.  Never pick up a turtle by their tail as this can damage their spine. Snapping Turtles need to be moved more carefully as they have a very long neck and can reach back and snap at you. 

They should only be handled by the back of their shell. Once you have a firm grip on the back of the shell, you can lift or gently drag the turtle across the road. Blankets, towels, shovels and car mats can also be used to move Snapping Turtles across the road.

Ausable Bayfield Conservation started a turtle monitoring program in the Port Franks area in 2010. Over the years, the conservation authority has seen an increase in the number of calls about turtle sightings. People in watershed communities such as Port Franks have been active showing concern for the turtles that live in this watershed and this province. “More and more people are becoming aware of turtles and the threats they face,” said Brock. 

For information on turtles and how to protect them visit the abca.on.ca website at the turtles page. You may also call Ausable Bayfield Conservation at 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610.