Turtles Are Healthy ... in Rural Areas

Painted turtle, Chrysemys picta.

Eleven species of native reptiles (comprising six species of snakes and five species of turtles) were found along the Rideau River during both the Project and previous fieldwork by Mike Rankin and Francis Cook, research associates with the Canadian Museum of Nature.

Researchers were particularly pleased to find two new localities for musk turtles, which are one of the rarest turtles in the River. Our knowledge of the distribution of this species has expanded with musk turtles newly found at Burritts Rapids and Barnes Island!

Northern water snake, Nerodia sipedon.

In general, reptile populations appear healthy in those portions of the Rideau River that pass through rural areas. On the other hand, Rankin and Cook are worried about the possible decline of turtle populations in urban areas, particularly near Manotick and downtown Ottawa.

Basking and nesting sites are becoming more and more scarce because of the construction of artificial riverbanks, which often accompanies residential development.

Common garter snake, Thamnophis sirtalis.

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