Latest news with #snappingturtle
CBC
03-07-2025
- General
- CBC
Snapping turtles show up at London man's home for yearly ride to Thames River
A snapping turtle clawing at the front door is not a regular occurrence for most Londoners, but at Alan Graham's house, it happens nearly every year. When one showed up on his porch three days ago, he did what he always does: he set the turtle in his wheelbarrow and ferried it to its destination. Graham lives just off Killarney Road in northeast London. On one side of his house lies the Highbury Wetlands Trail and on the other, the Thames River. Every summer, turtles set out from ponds along the trail, crossing the busy road to make the slow trek down to the river. They must have always taken the same route, Graham said, but growing residential neighbourhoods in the area have become confusing obstacles in their path. So, when they show up on his porch looking lost, he said he wants to help. "The first one this year just looked so dehydrated, it looked like it had been there for hours," he said. "I thought, 'I'm gonna get it to the river as quickly as I can.'" The very first encounter Graham had with one of the snapping turtles was about 15 years ago when he heard a scratching noise at his door. Nervous, but determined, he put on thick gloves, got behind it and safely picked it up. "Every time you go to pick it up it really just snaps, and it's so fast it the whole body shakes," he said. "It's very scary." After years of experience, Graham said he doesn't hesitate. He just grabs the turtle, sets it in his wheelbarrow and tries his best to stay behind it the whole time. Until recently, it seemed to be the same turtle coming back year after year, as it was large and recognizable— two feet long and about 30 pounds. But so far this year, two smaller ones have shown up, instead. Of course, they also got a free ride in Graham's wheelbarrow. "I feel bad that we are kind of imposing on their normal routes and their life," he said. "Other animals too, like deer and wild turkeys and beavers, they're all in the area and they've all had to adjust because of us." Graham likes to share photos and videos of the turtles online and people are always happy that another one has made it there safely, he said, especially as Killarney Road gets busier and busier. Unfortunately, not every traveling turtle makes it across the road, he said, remembering a year when one was hit by a car. He said he would like to see drivers in the area be more vigilant.
CTV News
20-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Snapping turtle lays eggs in busy Dartmouth park, prompting conservation efforts
A female snapping turtle has decided to nest in a grassy field at Dartmouth's Shubie Park. A snapping turtle has once again chosen a well-trodden part of Shubie Park in Dartmouth, N.S., to dig her nest – prompting staff and conservation officials to step in and protect the eggs. The turtle was spotted earlier this week digging multiple holes in search of the perfect nesting spot. She eventually laid her eggs and made her way back to a nearby holding pond. 'There was a snapping turtle here on Wednesday,' said Jon Burns, tour guide at the Shubenacadie Canal Commission. 'It dug various different holes, buried the eggs in one, and then made its way over to the pond.' It's not the first time the reptile has chosen the park. Burns said the same turtle nested in the area for the past two years. 'She's kind of become our little mascot,' said Burns. Snapping turtles are considered a species of special concern in Nova Scotia. While not endangered, they are protected, and staff initially attempted to cordon off the nest area before realizing that a permit is required for any such barrier. Officials from a local conservation organization have been contacted and are expected to put a perimeter in place to protect the nest and keep foot traffic at a distance. 'Usually they try to stay away from highly trafficked areas,' said Burns. 'So it's not super common for a turtle to nest here but this one seems to have something it likes.' The turtle laid her eggs in late spring and staff said hatchlings aren't expected until the fall – sometime between 65 and 95 days from the time of nesting. Visitors are encouraged to watch where they step and be mindful of signs of turtle activity, including disturbed soil and filled-in holes. 'There could be more nests in the area,' said Burns. 'They prefer shallow water with soft, muddy bottoms and this park has a lot of that.' The Shubenacadie Canal Commission, which manages the area, said it hopes the site will remain undisturbed until the eggs hatch. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
CTV News
14-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Large snapping turtle to be released in Midland after recovering from injury
A large snapping turtle found injured last summer will be released back into the marsh where he came on Fri., May 16, 2025. (Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre/FB)
