A group in Toronto dedicated to safeguarding turtles is closely monitoring the reptiles as they navigate the challenges of seasonal temperature shifts.
Concerns have been raised by Turtle Protectors following a recent incident in High Park, where a large adult male snapping turtle was spotted attempting to breach a fence after leaving the pond. Quick action by volunteers ensured the safe relocation of the 80-year-old turtle, affectionately known as Mick Jagger, back to its rightful habitat within the park.
Carolynne Crawley, co-founder of Turtle Protectors, emphasizes that this time of year sees an uptick in turtles venturing onto land, occasionally putting themselves in risky situations such as encountering off-leash dogs in parks.
As Crawley explains, the approaching season prompts turtles to enter brumation, a hibernation-like state where they seek winter shelters by burying themselves in mud. The fluctuating temperatures pose a particular challenge, with recent weather patterns swinging from warm daytime conditions to frost advisories overnight.
Highlighting the significance of protecting these at-risk creatures, Crawley stresses that it takes up to six decades to replace an adult turtle. Anyone encountering a turtle in a similar predicament on land is urged to contact the organization’s hotline for assistance.
