Toronto 
As the weather warms, Ontario Nature is reminding drivers to watch out for animals crossing the road.
Blanding’s turtle © Diana Troya (CNW Group/Ontario Nature)
Reptiles are particularly vulnerable in spring, as they mate, hatch, nest, and seek food and warmth. Sadly, many of the animals killed by traffic are species at risk, making road mortality a leading cause of population decline in Ontario.
To reduce the risk of wildlife-vehicle collisions, drivers are advised to slow down when they see wildlife crossing signs, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and be especially aware of wildlife when driving near wetlands, rivers, lakes, and ponds.
Turtles are among the most at-risk species in Ontario, with seven out of eight species considered endangered. Turtles are long-lived creatures that reach reproductive maturity only after 8 to 25 years. They have low survival rates for hatchlings and juveniles, and even small increases in mortality rates can have a significant impact on their populations.
To protect Ontario’s turtles, drivers should watch for dark bumps or oil slicks on the road and help turtles cross the road safely in the direction they were heading. Drivers should also exercise caution while driving during the turtle nesting season, which runs from May to July, and report any turtle injuries or deaths to the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre.
Snakes, such as the Massasauga rattlesnake, play a crucial role in Ontario’s ecosystems, but are also vulnerable to road mortality, particularly during the spring. Fear is a common reason why people avoid helping snakes. Some drivers carefully attempt to swerve around a snake, while others intentionally kill them. Species at risk can account for up to 30% of all road mortalities involving Ontario’s snakes.
It’s important to protect these animals and reduce road mortality rates that can cause a significant decline in species populations.
