Watch out for turtles on Waterloo Region roads this spring
Posted Apr 7, 2026 09:09:30 AM.
Last Updated Apr 8, 2026 04:24:49 PM.
With spring in Waterloo Region comes the return of various species of wildlife, including the turtles.
The rare Charitable Research Reserve is a Cambridge-based organization focused on environmental research and protecting over 1,550 acres of ecologically significant land in Waterloo Region and Wellington County.
Throughout the spring, rare is reminding residents to keep an eye out for some of the region’s slowest and most fragile commuters.
“As temperatures rise, you will start to see turtles out and about in Waterloo Region, soaking up the sun and exploring,” the organization said in a post to social media. “That also means they are crossing roads, and they need drivers to slow down.”
According to the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, nesting season for turtles peaks in June, but reptiles can be found travelling to lay their eggs beginning as early as April.
“If you spot a turtle on the road, give it the time and space it needs to cross. If it is not moving and it is safe for you to stop, you can gently move it to the side of the road it was already heading toward. They know where they are going, and roads cut right through that journey,” added rare.
According to rare, it can take turtles decades to replace a single loss of life in their population.
