World Turtle Day

Turtles are an amazing species that are beloved by so many, so let's celebrate them today. Here in the Okanagan and Similkameen, we only have one native species to celebrate, our Western Painted turtle!

In BC there are 2 populations of this turtle: the Pacific Coast Population that is found in the lower mainland and Vancouver Island, and the Intermountain-Rocky Mountain population which is found here in the Interior of BC. Sadly both populations are at risk, with the Coastal population is doing considerably worse.

One way to help out these wetland superstars is to be careful along roads near wetlands. Some turtles will travel considerable distances to find a safe spot to lay their eggs. And if you are trying to move a turtle off the road, guide it in the direction its head was facing, even if it is away from the water. They might seem lost, but they know what they are doing. And wash your hands after, you don't want to get salmonella!

Another way to help is by not releasing any pets into the wild. Red-eared sliders are an invasive turtle that was a popular pet species. If the owners didn't want them anymore, they would release them into a nearby pond. Red-eared sliders can outcompete our Painted turtle for resources and nesting sites, contributing to their decreasing populations. Released goldfish can also compete with turtles and other amphibians, so make sure you are not releasing them into wild spaces either.

If you ever pass by a pond during the warmer months, take a second to see if you can spot one of these guys basking in the sun, enjoying the day. It might just help you bask and enjoy the day yourself!