TURTLES OF ONTARIO

Ontario is home to an array of turtle species, each with their own unique characteristics and habitats. From the painted turtle commonly found in ponds and marshes to the wood turtle found in rivers and streams, these ancient creatures have been a part of Ontario’s landscape for thousands of years. Today however, these turtles are facing many challenges. From habitat loss and degradation to road mortality. It is important that we take steps to protect these amazing creatures and ensure they remain a part of Ontario’s natural heritage for generations to come. This page will provide information on the various turtle species found in Ontario and offer tips on how you can help protect them.

Blanding’s Turtle is a medium-sized turtle that is native to Ontario and can be found in wetlands, marshes, and slow-moving streams. They have a distinctive yellow throat and chin, and a high-domed carapace that is often dark in color. They are listed as a species of special concern in Ontario due to habitat loss and degradation.  Fun fact, Blanding’s Turtle are also know as Ontario’s smiling turtle.

Eastern Musk Turtle is a small turtle that can be found in slow-moving water bodies such as swamps, marshes, and ponds. They are often found in heavily vegetated areas and are known for their strong musky odor, which they release when threatened or disturbed. They have a dark brown or black shell and are listed as a species of special concern in Ontario due to habitat loss and degradation.

The Painted Turtle is a common and widespread turtle in Ontario, and is found in a variety of freshwater habitats such as ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams. They are known for their brightly colored shell, which are various shades of green and yellow. They are common in both wild and captive populations and are not considered at risk in Ontario.

The Northern Map Turtle is a medium-sized turtle that can be found in rivers and streams with moderate to strong currents. They have a distinctive keel-like ridge on their shell, and are known for their intricate patterns on their skin and shell. They are listed as a species of special concern in Ontario due to habitat loss and degradation.

The Snapping Turtle is a large turtle that can be found in a variety of freshwater habitats such as ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams. They are known for their powerful jaws and aggressive behavior, and have a large head and long tail. They are the largest freshwater turtle that is native to Ontario.  Snapping turtles are listed as Special Concern.  It takes a snapping turtle 20 years to reach sexual maturity, and has a very low survival of eggs and hatchlings. It is ILLEGAL to hunt a snapping turtle.

The Spiny Softshell Turtle is a large turtle that can be found in a variety of freshwater habitats such as ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams. They have a smooth, leathery shell that is often tan or brown in color and lack the bony plates found in other turtles. They are considered to be an endangered species.

The Spotted Turtle is a small turtle that can be found in Ontario wetlands, marshes, and slow-moving streams. They are known for the yellow spots on their black shell and skin, and are considered endangered in Ontario due to habitat loss and degradation.

The Wood Turtle is a medium-sized turtle that can be found in a variety of freshwater habitats such as rivers, streams, and swamps. They have a dark brown or black shell with orange or yellow spots, and are considered endangered in Ontario and Threatened in Canada.