Turtles In Canada: Where Do They Live?

Canada is home to several species of turtles, including both native and introduced species. The country's cool climate is not ideal for cold-blooded reptiles, but turtles can be found in many freshwater and saltwater habitats across the country. Freshwater turtles, including pond and marsh turtles, are mostly found in the southern regions of Canada, particularly near the Great Lakes. Marine turtles can be found in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans bordering Canada, although they do not nest on Canadian shores.

Canada's endangered turtles

Canada's cool climate is not particularly friendly to cold-blooded reptiles, but several species of turtles have made the country their home. These turtles are mostly found along the streams, rivers, and lakes of southern Canada, especially in the areas bordering the Great Lakes. There are eight native species of freshwater turtles in Canada, and seven species of pond and marsh turtles. All of these species are at some level of risk.

The spiny softshell turtle, for example, is considered endangered. Threats to this species include habitat loss due to shoreline development and dam operation, boat mortality, nest predation, contamination of habitat, and climate change. The wood turtle is also listed as a species at risk both federally (threatened) and provincially (endangered). The Canadian Wildlife Federation has been working to protect these turtles by caging nests and collecting eggs for incubation, as well as building fences and crossing structures to help turtles cross roads safely.

The western painted turtle, which is native to the Pacific Coast, is also threatened by habitat loss, road mortality, nest predation, poaching, and fishing by-catch, among other factors. The spotted turtle, Canada's smallest species, is also considered at risk, according to Wildlife Preservation Canada. The eastern snapping turtle, the largest non-marine turtle in Canada, is another species that is facing threats in the country.

Overall, human activities such as habitat destruction, hunting, fishing, and pollution are major contributors to the endangerment of turtle species in Canada. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these species, but the future of these turtles remains uncertain.

Turtle habitats

Canada is home to eight native species of freshwater turtles, all of which are considered at risk. These turtles are mostly found along the streams, rivers and lakes of southern Canada, especially in the areas bordering the Great Lakes. The specific habitats used vary by species. For example, wood turtles inhabit rivers and streams, while Blanding's turtles live in shallow wetland habitats.

Canada's cool climate is not particularly friendly to most cold-blooded reptiles, so freshwater turtles hibernate underwater in rivers, lakes and wetlands during winter. Most turtles are restricted to the southernmost parts of Canada, where temperatures are warmest. Not surprisingly, southern Ontario and southern Quebec are home to the highest number of turtle species in the country.

There are also several species of marine turtles found in the oceans and saltwater bays around Canada. Canada is bordered by the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and several species of marine turtles can be found in these waters, although they do not nest on Canadian shores. The world's largest living turtle, the leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), spends its summers in the saltwater off both Canada's Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

The spiny softshell (Apalone spinifera) is a single species of softshell turtle that resides in Canada, in a few locations in southwestern Ontario, in the Ottawa River region of the Quebec and Ontario border, and in two locations at Lake Erie. This species prefers slow-moving water with muddy or silty bottoms that they can bury into.

The common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) is the largest non-marine turtle currently making its habitat in Canada. It can grow to shell lengths of more than 14 inches and can weigh up to 35 and a half pounds. Common snapping turtles have a larger range in Canada than many other freshwater turtle species, though they remain in the southern parts of the country.

The stinkpot turtle (Sternotherus odoratus), also known as the musk turtle, is a member of the Kinosternidae family of mud and musk turtles. In Canada, this small turtle can be found only in the southern parts of Ontario, in slow-moving streams, lakes, marshes and ponds.

Turtle reproduction and development

Canada is home to several species of turtles, including freshwater pond and marsh turtles, as well as marine turtles found in the surrounding oceans and saltwater bays. While the climate is not ideal for cold-blooded reptiles, turtles have adapted and thrived in this North American country.

All turtles lay their eggs on land and exhibit no parental care. However, there is a diverse range of reproductive behaviours, ecologies, and physiologies among turtle species. The age of reproductive maturity varies significantly, with smaller species typically reaching sexual maturity sooner. For example, the female false map turtle (*Graptemys pseudogeographica*) of the central United States matures at around two to three years of age, while the Mexican tortoise (*Gopherus flavomarinatus*) takes 14 to 15 years to reach maturity.

Reproductive activity is generally seasonal and coincides with significant annual weather changes. In temperate regions, reproductive activity tends to occur in the spring, with longer days and higher temperatures. Tropical species often reproduce late in the dry season or early in the rainy season. Courtship patterns during mating season vary greatly, ranging from aggressive behaviour to more subtle and subtle enticement routines.

After mating, female turtles come ashore to find nesting sites, typically choosing sunny, sandy spots above the high tide line. Nesting is a challenging process that increases the risk of predation for the females. They dig chambers using their hind limbs, creating a nest for their eggs. The number of eggs laid in a single clutch varies, with smaller species laying fewer eggs. Most turtles lay eggs annually, but some lay every other year or multiple times in a single season.

The rate of embryonic development inside the egg is temperature-dependent, with warmer temperatures accelerating development. For most turtles, the incubation period ranges from 45 to 75 days. In some species, like the scorpion mud turtle (*Kinosternon scorpioides*) and the northern snake-necked turtle (*Chelodina rugosa*), embryonic diapause occurs, where development pauses after egg deposition and resumes when specific stimuli are present.

Sex determination in turtles is also influenced by temperature. Within a specific temperature range, a clutch will produce a relatively equal number of males and females. Deviating from this range results in all-female or all-male hatchlings. This temperature-dependent sex determination has been impacted by global warming and shifting climate patterns, leading to skewed sex ratios in some turtle populations.

Upon hatching, the baby turtles break out of their eggs using a small bump on their snout called an egg tooth or caruncle. They then slowly make their way to the surface of the sand and head towards water, facing various predators along the way. This journey from the nest to the water marks the beginning of their lives as juvenile turtles.

Turtle predators

Canada is home to eight native species of freshwater turtles and four species of marine turtles. The main predators of adult and juvenile freshwater turtles are mammals, including raccoons, foxes, skunks, otters, mink, and bears. The common culprits for eating turtle eggs are raccoons, foxes, and coyotes.

To protect turtle nests from predators, the Canadian Wildlife Federation's turtle team and partners have been caging nests and collecting eggs to incubate in captivity. As of 2022, they have released more than 70,000 hatchlings back into the wild.

Adult and juvenile sea turtles face different predators, including sharks, saltwater crocodiles, orcas, and seals. Their nests are consumed by mammals, insects, snakes, crabs, and birds.

Turtles are an important part of their ecosystems, playing a role in food webs and energy flow between aquatic and terrestrial environments. However, human activity poses a significant threat to their survival, including habitat loss, road mortality, illegal collection, and climate change.

Turtle conservation

Canada is home to eight native species of freshwater turtles and four species of sea turtles. While the country's cool climate is not particularly hospitable to cold-blooded creatures, turtles can be found in several regions of Canada, especially in the southern parts of the country. The majority of turtles in Canada are found in the areas bordering the Great Lakes, as well as in the oceans and saltwater bays around the country.

Conservation Status:

According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, several turtle species in Canada are considered vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered. For example, the spotted turtle (*Clemmys guttata*) and the Blanding's turtle (*Emydoidea blandingii*) are both listed as endangered. Human activities pose significant threats to these species, including habitat loss, water pollution, and road mortality.

Conservation Efforts:

The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) and its partners are actively working to protect and conserve turtle species in Canada. Here are some of the key conservation strategies they are implementing:

• Habitat Protection: The CWF is focused on protecting vital wetland habitats that are essential for turtles. Through their efforts, over 4,000 km2 of habitat have been safeguarded, specifically for the Blanding's Turtle.
• Nest Protection: Between May and July, when turtles are choosing nesting sites, the CWF teams work to cage turtle nests and collect eggs for incubation in captivity. This helps to protect the eggs from predators and ensure the survival of the hatchlings. As of 2022, they have released more than 70,000 hatchlings back into the wild.
• Road Mitigation: The CWF conducts road surveys to identify areas with higher rates of road mortality for turtles. They then implement safety measures such as building fences and constructing crossing structures under roads to allow turtles to move safely.
• Addressing Poaching: Poaching for the pet trade and consumption is a significant threat to turtle species in Canada. Education and surveillance are crucial to combat this issue, and reporting illegal activities to the relevant authorities is essential.
• Public Education: The CWF provides educational resources and raises awareness about the importance of conserving turtle species in Canada. They also involve the public in their efforts, such as through their website, HelptheTurtles.ca.
• Research and Monitoring: Understanding the biology, behaviour, and ecological role of turtles is vital for effective conservation. By studying their physiology, distribution, habitat preferences, and reproduction, scientists can develop targeted conservation strategies.

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