Why you shouldn't bring a native turtle home
Wildlife officials in Nova Scotia are urging residents not to keep native turtles as pets, citing legal restrictions and the animals' ecological importance. The public is encouraged to help turtles cross roads safely rather than removing them from their habitats.
Why it matters
Protecting local biodiversity and preventing the illegal pet trade is essential for the survival of threatened and endangered turtle species.
Why you shouldn't bring a native turtle home There are four native species of turtle in Nova Scotia.
The Shubenacadie Wildlife Park is encouraging residents not to take them home as pets, and to watch out for them on the roads .
The species in the province include wood, eastern painted, Blanding's and snapping.
The long-lived animals are slow moving and summer is a prime time to see them . That's because it's when they're most active. They are trying to find a breeding partner, a place to lay eggs and locate fresh food.
If you see one on the side of the road and you can safely stop, you can get out and check on the turtle.
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