Pregnant snapping turtles in the Big Bay Point area have a bit more of a chance to successfully repopulate, thanks to the efforts of a local pair of environmentalists.
Jennifer Howard and her son, Jeff, have worked for two years to have a pair of crossing signs erected on a stretch of Big Bay Point Road near the wetland on the south side of the road, near the entrance to the former Big Bay Point Marina.
The signs were installed last Wednesday morning with the help of Thomas James of the Town of Innisfil’s works department.
The Howards petitioned Innisfil council to be allowed to have the signs installed.
“We had a little trouble getting this through council, but that’s OK,” Jennifer said.
The crossing signs are to tip motorists that snapping turtles frequently cross Big Bay Point Road during their mating season – May through to September.
“We’ve got eight species of turtles in Ontario,” she said, “and six of them are on the endangered list. Wetlands are being filled in all over Ontario. The turtles moving are usually females travelling to lay eggs. Because of predators, only a very few eggs survive. With some turtles, it takes between 15 and 20 years to reach maturity. They start moving in June and the babies are usually born in late September.”
Snapping turtles can grow to about 18 inches in diameter and live to be 80 to 100 years old. If someone comes across an aged turtle shuffling across the road, it’s alright to give them a helping hand, Jennifer says.
“Move them off the road in the direction they’re going,” she says. “Be careful picking them up. You can use a stick they will grab onto.”
The signs were paid for by the group Kids for Turtles and donated by the Metropolitan Toronto Zoo. The group was founded by Bob Bowles in 2006. Unfortunately, some people see the signs and take them down, she says.
“If you want a sign so badly, just call him (705-325-5386 or info@kidsforturtles.com) and he’ll send you one for free.”
The Howards are hopeful the first two signs to be placed in Innisfil will give people a greater sense of the natural environment around them.
“Wetlands are a whole living ecosystem,” she says. “It’s an important thing we need to save and protect.”
