World Turtle Day on May 23rd is dedicated to appreciating these extraordinary reptiles. It is also a good opportunity to highlight the need to protect these ancient species, as they are one of the most interesting and important groups of reptiles in Ontario. On this year’s World Turtle Day, we shed light on the significance of one of Ontario’s most beloved turtle species, the snapping turtle.
Incredible Snapping Turtles in Ontario
The snapping turtle, recognized for its large size and dinosaur-like features, is commonly found in shallow water bodies such as marshes, swamps, and creeks from the north of Lake Superior to the edges of southern Ontario. Although aquatic, snapping turtles migrate across terrestrial land in search of many resources, making their habitat range up to 20-30 square hectares!
Snapping turtle © Scott Mackie
These reptiles are necessary for maintaining the habitat of many water bodies. Their consumption of dead/decaying plant matter helps clean water bodies to support the survival of other organisms. Turtle eggs are also part of the diet of many young mammals and bird species.
In addition to their ecological benefits, snapping turtles have a strong cultural significance for Indigenous Peoples from across Ontario. The turtle is a symbol of creation, balance and patience. Further, wetland habitats are important sources for food and medicine, and also crucial for controlling floods, water pollution and storing carbon.
Snapping turtle © Peter Ferguson
Threats to Snapping Turtles
Passed in June 2025, Bill 5, also known as Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, poses significant threats to many species, including snapping turtles.
Through this bill, the Species Conservation Act (SCA) replaces the Endangered Species Act. The SCA weakens many protections for species at risk and will not even continue to list special concern species like the snapping turtle making it unclear how their wellbeing will be assessed on an ongoing basis.
One of the major problems with the SCA is that it defines “habitat” solely as a species nesting area, ignoring the fact that many species – including the snapping turtle – depend on a large area of land to survive.
Migration plays a key role in maintaining snapping turtle populations. They travel across terrestrial environments to find food and mates, and later nest in aquatic environments.
While listed as special concern, increasing habitat loss and fragmentation is likely to continue to impact this species with slow reproductive rates, making it difficult for them to recover from population declines.
Juvenile snapping turtle © Peter Ferguson
What You Can Do
World Turtle Day is the perfect opportunity to be the voice for the protection of snapping turtles and their habitats.
Turtles and wetlands provide underacknowledged benefits that are necessary for the health of Ontario’s most beautiful spaces.
Sign and share the repeal Bill 5 petition so that we restore protections for our precious biodiversity. Ontario Nature has also created a wetland advocacy toolkit, which includes information regarding wetlands, their role in the environment and what you can do to help keep them protected.
The protection of turtles is not only dependent on how valuable they are to humans or the environment, but also their value as living beings. Ontario is also their home, show that you care by taking action this World Turtle Day.