Watch out for endangered Blanding’s Turtle

The Department of Transportation and the Blanding’s Turtle Recovery Team have teamed up to create signs that identify turtle habitat and turtle crossings. These signs went up last week on the 208 in Colpton, on Highway 8 in South Brookfield, and outside Maitland Bridge. “Researchers, local residents, and volunteers have identified these important areas, which cover most of the population range in Nova Scotia,” said Dr. Stephen Flemming of the Recovery Team.

Within the “Blanding’s Turtle Habitat Zone” there will be smaller seasonal signs in the spring and fall, to remind drivers that there is potential to see Blanding’s turtles on some sections of the road, and to drive with caution at these times. These zones were determined through sighting reports, many of which were made by North Queens residents.

The entire population of Blanding’s turtles in Nova Scotia is estimated to be 350 adults. Each spring, females lay their eggs - often near roadsides - and each fall these nests hatch, putting hatchling turtles at risk. Many turtles also cross roads during spring and fall as they travel between habitats. The loss of a single female turtle could have a huge impact on the population. Everyone can help protect these turtles by watching for them on roads, particularly at these times.

An information session on species at risk and how to help turtles and report sightings will be held 7 p.m. Aug. 21 at the Masonic Hall in Caledonia. Coffee, tea and cookies will be provided.