They might not be climbing out of manhole covers looking for a slice of pizza, but Manitobans may be noticing more turtles. Manitoba is home to two kinds of turtles, the western painted turtle and the snapping turtle. They are mainly found in the southern portion of the province, which includes Winnipeg. Barret Miller, the manager of education and programs at Assiniboine Park Conservancy, said there are a couple reasons why turtle sightings might be a little more common right now. “One of the reasons they might be moving right now is there’s so much more water after the rains and they’re also probably feeling the urge to nest,” said Miller. “That might explain why we’re seeing them go a little further from their usual watery haunts and further inland or upland, as it was.” Nesting season is taking place over the next couple of weeks, and turtles like sandy soil with some vegetation to build their nests, Miller said, and many are currently on the hunt for the perfect location. Reports have popped up on social media of people finding said turtles on sidewalks or in parking lots. However, if you find one and are asking yourself what to do, Miller said just let them be. “Turtles know how to be turtles better than we ever can.” Miller always encourages people to not pick up turtles and let them do their slow stroll, but if moving them is required, it’s essential they are moved in the direction they were going, he said. “Really, though, the best advice is hands off. Let it do its thing.” Miller also wants to remind people to let the wild turtles stay wild. “Snapping turtles are big enough that they can probably speak for themselves, but painted turtles are pretty small, pretty cute. They are far better in the wild than they are in your house,” he said. “They are not pets. They don’t make great pets. Enjoy them in the wild.”
