As the Niagara College community and visitors enjoy the Wetland Ridge Trail at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake, trail goers are reminded that they may come across nesting turtles or turtle eggs along the path.
NC’s wetlands are home to snapping and painted turtles, two ecologically significant species of great concern. The areas around the wetlands provide an ideal habitat environment for the turtles to lay their eggs during the nesting period between late May to early July.
To help safeguard the turtles, NC’s Office of Sustainability conducts turtle monitoring twice a year (spring/fall), as well as nest protection measures following the turtle monitoring protocol. Eggs that have been successfully protected will begin hatching in late summer, August/September.
A baby snapping turtle
What to do if you spot a turtle
If you come across a turtle on the trail, it is best to leave it alone if it is not in danger. While painted turtles withdraw behind their shells for protection, snapping turtles will snap if they feel threatened because they will perceive you as a potential predator.
If the turtle is in harm’s way, it is recommended to handle the turtle by picking it up by the sides rather than putting your hand towards its mouth to avoid snapping.
Get involved in monitoring
Consider reaching out to NC Sustainability when you spot a turtle on campus, letting them know when, where, and what turtle you saw. Learn more about turtle monitoring by reading the turtle monitoring protocol.
NC and the Office of Sustainability engage in environmental monitoring year round, including turtle monitoring, including snake monitoring, bat monitoring, water monitoring, and general biodiversity monitoring. Visit the NC Sustainability website to learn more.
