With the arrival of the warmer weather, Sunshine Coast community members are seeing more activity from the colourful western painted turtles that live around the lakes of the Pender Harbour area. Tiny baby hatchling turtles, each the size of a loonie, can be seen emerging from their underground nests and heading to the water, while adult female turtles are leaving the water to search for suitable nesting sites and may be observed crossing roads, wandering on land, or digging in the ground.
Observing a turtle hatchling or nesting turtle is not only an unforgettable experience, it is also essential to understanding and conserving this imperilled species.
The Sunshine Coast Wildlife Project is asking residents to please report their sightings of turtle hatchlings, emergence holes, and turtles on land by emailing [email protected] or calling 604-989-1007. Please take note of the date, time, and precise location, and, if possible, take photographs that show the spot.
Painted turtles are federally threatened, provincially red-listed, and protected by the BC Wildlife Act. It is illegal to touch turtles or remove them from their lakes.
For more information about local efforts to ensure the survival of this species at risk, please visit www.coastwildlife.ca or www.facebook.com/coastwildlife.
– Submitted by Michelle Evelyn
