Report Turtle and Snake Sightings Online!

A Spiny Softshell Turtle held in a person's hand next to a waterbody.

There is a new, quick way to report sightings of turtles and snakes in southwestern Ontario.

Just submit a form online and it will go directly to Scott Gillingwater, Species at Risk Biologist with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA).

Visit the UTRCA Turtle Reporting Form to report:

  • turtle nest with eggs
  • turtle nest without visible eggs
  • injured turtles, and
  • other concerns regarding turtle health and safety

Visit the UTRCA Snake Reporting Form to report:

  • unidentified or unknown snake species
  • rare snake species
  • injured snakes, and
  • other concerns regarding snake health and safety

Your form responses will inform the Southern Ontario At Risk Reptiles (SOARR) team who is helping to protect local reptiles.

Southern Ontario’s native reptiles have suffered drastic population declines due to the many threats impacting natural areas such as roadway traffic, declining wetland habitat, and poachers. By reporting sightings of turtles and snakes in distress, or their nests and eggs, you can help be part of their recovery.

Consider bookmarking the links to the forms so they will be right at your fingertips if you need them.