Blanding’s turtle, credit: Tracy Parker
Threatened Provincially and Nationally
Description
• Medium-sized turtle that can reach 27 centimetres
• Bright yellow throat, chin and belly; rounded black and brown shell with yellow flecks and streaks; head and limbs are black-grey
• Can survive in the wild for more than 75 years
Range
• In Canada, separated into Great Lakes – St. Lawrence population and Nova Scotia population
• Can be found throughout southern, central and eastern Ontario and as far north as Sudbury
Threats
• Habitat loss
• Vehicle collisions
• Illegal collection for pet trade
Protection
• Provincially protected under the Endangered Species Act, 2007
• Federally protected under the Species at Risk Act, 2002
Fact
About 20 percent of the global range of the Blanding’s turtle is in Canada, mainly in Ontario.
We live on county rd 25 napanee. A Blandings turtle just crossed our front yard. Shell length is about 8 inches. He is heading towards a swamp approx 100 meters away.
So great to hear, you’re very lucky to have Blanding’s turtles nearby and occasionally crossing your lawn.
Thank you for looking out for them!
ON Noah