Freshwater turtles are reptiles, like snakes and lizards. Eight species of native freshwater turtles live in Canada. All of them are, or have a population or subspecies that is, at risk. A turtle’s shells is mainly used for protection from predators. All turtles need access to both water and land to complete their life cycle, and they inhabit a variety of freshwater habitats, from a variety of wetlands to lakes, streams and rivers, including in Markham.
Other turtle facts:
There are 8 different types of turtles that are indigenous to Ontario, most of which are at risk!
Did you know some turtles can live upwards of 70+ years
It is illegal to remove wildlife of any kind from public lands in Markham, including turtles
It is illegal to harm turtles
DO NOT release your pet turtle into the wild, please contact a turtle conservation centre for assistance
For more information on turtles in Ontario, visit https://www.hww.ca/en/wildlife/fish-amphibians-and-reptiles/freshwater-turtles.html