PACKET & TIMES (Orillia, Ontario) 23 June 07 Swimming with snapping turtles (Robin Manley)

"Is it safe to swim with snapping turtles?" was one of many questions asked at the Kids for turtles display at the Carden Nature Festival held last weekend at the Carden Recreational Centre. Several Kids for turtles volunteers came out to answer questions. The display included guest appearances by various Ontario reptiles. Though all the reptiles in the display were Ontario species, turtles such as the wood, Blanding's, map, or the five-lined skink, are rarely seen. These reptiles are classified as species at risk - their population decline is caused by human behaviour.

The answer to the question at the beginning of the article is yes, sharing a swimming area with snapping turtles is safe. While a snapping turtle will snap in defence on land, in the water they only snap for food. Snapping turtles spend most of their time in the water, making them very good swimmers. While in the water, they will swim away from a threat, but while on land they are far more at risk. Fleeing a threat on land is not an option because they are slow walkers. Snapping turtles also have a very small underside to their shell (plastron) and, unlike most turtles, cannot protect themselves by pulling completely into their shells. This is why snapping is used as their protection on land. Their mouth is the only means they have for protection when out of water.

Kids for turtles will be having displays and field trips throughout the summer. If you are interested in joining Kids for turtles, or would like more environmental information, please contact us at info@kidsforturtles.com or call 325-3149.



http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/webapp/sitepages/search/results.asp?contentid=584085&catname=Lake Country Weekend&type=search&search1=turtles

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