Turtles

The turtles are on the move! For a least three times this week I've had to help Eastern Painter Turtles (Chrysemys picta picta) across Joyce Road. Being hit by vehicles while crossing roads is a significant source of mortality to this species.



The female turtles will leave the safety of ponds and streams this time of year to lay their eggs. Painted turtles are thought to live between 20 to 40 years and reach sexual maturity at approximately 10 years of age.



While the female turtles are dodging the traffic on Joyce Road, the male turtles are back at the pond sunning themselves on a rock.