Sagamok is home to 3 species of turtle:
- Miskwaadesi (Midland Painted Turtle) – Special Concern
- Mikinaak (Snapping Turtle) – Special Concern
- Blanding's Turtle – Endangered federally and Threatened provincially
Ontario turtle nesting season occurs annually from mid-May through mid-July, with June being the absolute peak period. During this time, female turtles leave wetlands and travel significant distances—often crossing roads—to find loose soil and sand to lay their waawanoon (eggs).
Because all eight of Ontario's native turtle species are listed as Species at Risk, keeping them safe on the roads and in your community is vital.
Peak Activity Times
Turtles are primarily active during dawn, dusk, and especially on humid or rainy days. You are most likely to spot female turtles digging test nests or laying waawanoon (eggs) during these hours.
Assisting Turtles on the Road
If you see a turtle on or near the road, you can help by moving it in the direction it is already heading. If you place them on the side they just came from, they will simply try to cross again. Pick them up gently with two hands, supporting them from the middle of their shell, and keep them low to the ground so they cannot be dropped. Exercise extreme caution with snapping turtles. Never attempt to lift them directly by the tail as it can cause severe spinal damage. Instead, gently guide them from behind with a shovel or a car mat, or safely coax them from a distance.
Protecting Nests
Turtles dig nests that are highly vulnerable to predators like raccoons and foxes. If a turtle lays waawanoon (eggs) on your property, you can protect the nest by:
- Building or utilizing a custom nest protector immediately after the waawanoon (eggs) are laid to cover the nest site while still allowing hatchlings to escape later.
- Leaving the nest alone if you cannot build a protector. Never dig up or disturb the wadiswan (nest), as it is illegal and will harm the waawanoon (eggs).
Hatching Timelines
Most turtle waawanoon (eggs) incubate for 60 to 90 days and hatch by late summer or early fall. However, species like the Painted Turtle may remain safely nested in the egg chamber over winter and emerge the following spring.
If you come across an injured turtle or need advice on handling a nest in the Algoma District, you can report it or get expert guidance from the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre.
