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Spotted Turtle

Clemmys guttata

COSEWIC Status: Endangered

COSSARO Status: Endangered

Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada

The committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada is a committee of experts who determine the national status of native species thought to be at risk of disappearing from Canada. Members include academics, specialists, Aboriginal people or government, & biologists.

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Species at Risk Status

Endangered

This species is facing imminent extirpation or extinction.

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Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario

The committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario reviews the COSEWIC status reports for species that occur in Ontario, then makes recommendations on the appropriate provincial status of the species. Provincial status is identified on the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) List.

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Species at Risk Status

Endangered

This species is facing imminent extirpation or extinction.

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S. Gilingwater

Have you seen this species at risk? Report your sighting.

Food

• Aquatic insects, invertebrates, carrion and some plants are eaten.

Habits and Reproduction

• Hibernate both separately and communally under water, from late October to March.
• Emerge from hibernation before other turtles as they can withstand the cooler temperatures. May become dormant (a resting or sleeping state) during heat waves in the summer.
• Mating occurs from March to April, and possibly a second time in the fall.
• In late June, clutches of approximately 5 flexible eggs are laid in a hole made in the sand.
• Hatching occurs late August to September. Nest temperature will determine the sex of the turtle.
• Nearly round hatchlings are 2.5cm in size and often have one spot on each scute.
• Reach maturity between 10 and 15 years.

Habitat

• A variety of wetlands, including ponds, marshes, bogs and streams.

Threats

• Habitat loss, road mortality and collection for the pet trade are the major factors in their decline.

Conservation Actions

• Please report any sightings of spotted turtles to the Parry Sound Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
• Protection of even small wetlands will be important for this turtle.
• Read the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre’s guide to Turtle Nests and Nest Protection.
• Find an injured turtle? Please see the information on the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre’s website.