Birds are singing, bees are buzzing and turtles are laying eggs. This is the time of year when turtles embark on their long journey, sometimes covering several kilometres, to find an ideal nesting site. Being slow doesn’t prevent them from covering long distances, however; the main problem is roads, as they obviously have no idea what a traffic light is and are unaware of the danger. So it is up to us to take measures to ensure their safety. Thank you for your contribution to turtle protection!

Hello fellow turtle observers!
 
My name is Simon Boudreault and I'm an intern with the Nature Conservancy of Canada. I will be very involved in various turtle conservation projects in the Greater Montreal region this Summer. I will help install basking platforms, check on turtle nesting sites, raise awareness towards turtle conservation issues, manage invasive species around nesting sites, and respond to you the observers of Carapace.ca!
 
I already have 2 seasons of experience as a field technician and team lead for a turtle conservation organization in Ontario. And so, it will be my pleasure to share my knowledge with you and to learn about the issues and challenges of turtle conservation in Quebec this Summer.

Do you care about saving turtles? Join us on Saturday, May 27, 2023 (or Sunday, May 28, in case of rain) from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a buckthorn control activity at Parc des Rapides-du-Cheval-Blanc in the West Island of Montreal. This activity will help keep the site clear and sunny, an essential condition for the development of turtle eggs. I invite you to write me personally if you wish to participate.
 
Simon Boudreault
Turtle conservation intern - Montreal Green Belt
Nature Conservancy of Canada
simon.boudreault@natureconservancy.ca

The snapping turtle: a misunderstood species

Some people fear the snapping turtle, as it is sometimes considered a "dangerous" turtle. However, despite its impressive appearance, it prefers to avoid humans and will not behave aggressively unless it is manipulated. It does not attack bathers and will only become aggressive if provoked. In addition, by feeding on dead animals and algae, it plays an important role in keeping the water clean.

To learn how to help a snapping turtle safely, we invite you to watch the following video: Carapace.ca – What to do if you see a turtle on the road - YouTube.