• Protecting Water and Farmland in Simcoe County

Victory! Snapping Turtle hunt now illegal

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In About Us
Mar 31st, 2017
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Snapping Turtle -Kate Harries photo

Snapping Turtle -Kate Harries photo

from the Environmental Registry

Decision on Regulation:
• As of April 1, 2017, no open season for Snapping Turtle across all of Ontario.
Based on public feedback, there was significant opposition to maintaining any open season for snapping turtles. Snapping Turtle is a long-lived species that reproduces slowly and is subject to other significant stressors such as road mortality. The Ministry has closed the Snapping Turtle season to help maintain populations of this species into the future.
The Ministry received a total of 13461 comments: 12877 comments were received in writing and 584 were received online.

News release from Animal Alliance of Canada

Ontario Bans Snapping Turtle Harvest

As of April 1 2017, harvesting of snapping turtles will no longer be allowed in Ontario.

In an announcement made today, the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, the Honourable Kathryn McGarry has granted protection for the snapping turtle in Ontario by eliminating its harvest.

“We wish to thank Minister McGarry for extending very real protection for an animal whose population is of ‘special concern’ under the Species at Risk Act,” said Barry MacKay, Canadian Representative, Born Free. “This is a critically important decision. Female snapping turtles reach reproductive maturity between 15 and 20 years, so the loss of each individual has significant implications for the health of the population.”

“The decision was announced today by e-mail to Animal Alliance and cited on the Environment Registry,” said Liz White, Director, Animal Alliance of Canada. “We would like to thank the Minister for this progressive and proactive decision to protect an ‘at risk’ species from human exploitation. Not only are there population considerations but also very real humane concerns that will be addressed.

“We welcome more progressive actions from the Minister.”

AWARE Simcoe submission to EBR

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