Herpetofauna - Reptiles and Amphibians

Based on Ontario Herpetofaunal Summary Atlas

Turtles are usually found in or near water. During the spring and summer they may travel on land to find new homes, search for food, or lay their eggs. Unfortunately, many are killed by cars while trying to cross roads or lay their eggs in the gravel shoulders. They are also very vulnerable to predators while laying their eggs. Turtles take many years to mature, so these losses of breeding females are a serious threat to the species as a whole. Almost every native turtle species is now considered to be “at risk” in Ontario. Please treat them with respect!

If you encounter a nesting turtle, please don’t disturb her. If the nest is in a high-risk location such as in a public playground or road median, it may need to be moved by a licensed professional. The Canadian Wildlife Federation may be able to assist with nest rescue. If the nest is on your property, you can build a protective cover to keep it safe from raccoons, skunks and other nest predators. Instructions on making and installing a nest protector can be found here: Canadian Wildlife Federation - turtle nest protector

Ottawa is home to several kinds of turtle, but these are the four most frequently seen:

Midland Painted Turtle – has a smooth, low-domed shell up to 18 cm (7.5 in) long with reddish-orange patterns around edge. Head, tail and legs are marked with yellow or reddish-orange stripes. Markings are brightest on young animals, fading with age. Although painted turtles are not currently listed as a species at risk in Ontario, it is illegal to hunt or trap them under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997.

Snapping Turtle – large, bulky turtle with a rough, ridged shell up to 45 cm (18 in) long. Muddy greyish-brown to black in colour. Massive head, tail and legs cannot be withdrawn into shell. May bite if disturbed on land. A species of special concern both federally and provincially.

Northern Map Turtle – has a keeled shell up to 28 cm (11 in) long with yellow markings and a jagged rear edge. Head, tail and legs are marked with yellow stripes. Markings are brightest on young animals, fading with age. A species of special concern both federally and provincially. It is illegal to hunt or trap them under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997.

Blanding’s Turtle – note the bright yellow chin and throat, and the highly domed, speckled shell up to 28 cm (11 in) in length. This is a federally and provincially threatened species, protected in Ontario under the Endangered Species Act, 2007. It is illegal to kill, harm, harass, collect or possess a Blanding’s Turtle. Sightings can be reported to the Natural Heritage Information Centre at Report rare species (animals and plants). Photographs and precise locations are helpful. 

To report violations of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997, or the Endangered Species Act, 2007, call 1-877-847-7667 (1-877-TIPS-MNR).

For more information about turtles, visit Ontario Nature’s Reptiles and Amphibians of Ontario.