Road mortality of Snapping Turtles, Chelydra serpentina, in central Ontario during their nesting period

Abstract

In the early summer of 1993-1995, a survey was conducted in central Ontario to determine the amount of road kill of Snapping Turtles during their nesting period. Peak nesting occurred during mid June in all three years. The annual mortality of Snapping Turtles during this period was 30.5% of all observed turtles. Only 24% of the dead snapping turtles sampled were mature females. Snapping Turtle road mortality during the nesting period was high and could have negative impacts on the sustainability of local populations.