Snapping Turtles

Snapping turtles are the largest turtles in Ontario. They can be found in lakes, rivers and wetlands and spend most of the time under water. They are opportunistic feeders, feeding on what chance presents them including carrion, fish, frogs, dragonfly larvae, crayfish, snails and leeches.

Dispelling some myths about Snapping turtles…

Snapping turtles have the reputation of being aggressive. On land, Snapping turtles do have an aggressive display rising on their legs, hissing, lunging forward and snapping their jaws as a warning. There is a good reason for the Snapping turtle's aggressive display. The plastron (the lower part of their shell) of a Snapping turtle is reduced and offers little protection to the limbs and head which cannot be tucked in like other turtles. The turtles' only protection when not in the water is to adopt a threatening position and try to bite the attacker. Their behaviour is very different in the water. When in the water Snapping turtles avoid swimmers and will not bite preferring instead to swim away from any threats.

Another misconception about Snapping turtles is the extent on which Snapping turtles prey on waterfowl. Snapping turtles will eat ducklings weakened by weather or disease. The primary predators of ducklings are hawks, owls, raccoons, mink and large fish like muskie or bass.

Blanding's Turtles

Blanding's turtles are a relatively large species of freshwater turtle.  In Canada, the species has a distribution that is centred in the Great Lakes Region.  A major problem facing Blanding's turtles is the destruction of habitat.  Roads which cross migration routes between ponds where the turtles hibernate and the areas where they nest are also particularly hazardous to the species. Blanding's turtle are listed as Threatened in the Great Lakes Basin and Endangered in Nova Scotia by COSEWIC.

Thus far, we have found and attached transmitters to six Blanding's turtles in the Rouge Park.

Northern Map Turtles

Northern map turtles are a highly aquatic species.  One can rarely get a close look at map turtles in the wild because they are extremely wary and dive into the water.

Northern map turtle distribution coincides with the most densely populated and industrialized areas of Ontario and Quebec.  Loss of habitat and use of waterways for recreation are the greatest threats to the species.  Their diet is also vulnerable to accumulation of toxins and heavy metals. COSEWIC designates a Special Concern listing for Northern map turtles.

Click here to meet all of our turtles