Photo from: https://ncc.mediavalet.com/portals/taxicarapace2025
As spring returns, turtles across Ontario and Quebec are waking up from hibernation. With warmer temperatures, these gentle creatures begin to move around, searching for food, mates, and nesting sites. Sadly, their slow speed puts them at high risk of getting hit by cars as they cross roads.
To help protect these vulnerable reptiles, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) supports two important initiatives: Carapace and Taxi Carapace, which work alongside Éco-Nature’s Centre de réhabilitation des tortues du Québec (CRTQ).
Taxi Carapace is a volunteer-based program that transports injured turtles quickly and safely to the CRTQ for care. After recovery, volunteers return the turtles to their natural habitats, helping ensure their survival. The program depends on dedicated volunteers to operate. Anyone interested in helping can sign up through Inscription – Banque de bénévoles.
Meanwhile, the Carapace project collects important information about turtle sightings, movements, and causes of death. This data helps NCC and its partners create safer environments for turtles, including building wildlife crossings and responding faster to turtles in need.
To report a turtle sighting or learn more, visit carapace.ca. If you see a turtle that looks injured or in danger, stay nearby and contact the CRTQ immediately.
Together, through these efforts, everyone can help protect these native turtles and support their safe return to the wild.
(Written by: Emma Butler)