Local Turtle Migration

Submitted by Chris Greaves

Every year there is a turtle migration from the lake to the land. Every year mother turtles choose a spot and use their hind legs to dig into the sand making a nest to cradle their eggs.

This year a picture was posted on social media by Dana Deathe, owner of The Book Lady in Fenelon Falls, showing a mother turtle facing west depositing her eggs. Many people walk the trail north and south of Fenelon Falls for exercise early in the morning. I was fortunate to have my iPad, cell connection, and my “Fenelon Falls, Canada” Facebook page where I could share a live video of mother turtle heading slowly back across the busy trail to the water. She was large, very tired, wonky on her feet after this night’s work, but determined to go back to the water. I’m sure she whispered thanks as she took a few steps into Cameron Lake’s warm waters. 

Here is some helpful information from Turtle Guardian Headquarters:

“Digging up nests is not permissible by the public. So if you would like to help and you see a nesting turtle in Haliburton, North Peterborough, North City of Kawartha Lakes, Simcoe or Muskoka, give the turtle hotline a call at 705-955-4284. Or you can volunteer as a nest sitter or road researcher anywhere in Ontario. To help this way, Call the office for more details at 705-457-1222”

This GrandpaChris Video was made with the help of Sam, Shirley, and videographer Terri which shows how people can help mother earth’s creatures.