Early turtle rescue highlights start of wildlife activity in Windsor-Essex as temperatures swing

Local wildlife experts are seeing more turtle injuries as they come out of hiding for the season. And ticks are becoming more active. Chris Campbell reports.

Wildlife rehabilitators in Windsor-Essex say the arrival of their first injured turtle of the year is a reminder that animals are beginning to move as temperatures fluctuate between winter and spring.

Staff at Wings Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre recently admitted a juvenile Midland painted turtle that had been struck by a vehicle. The animal was stabilized before being transferred to the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre in Peterborough, Ont. for further treatment.

Jennifer Dalley, wildlife co-ordinator at the Amherstburg facility, said the case appears to be arriving slightly earlier than usual.

“Is a little bit earlier. With the warm spell, the turtles start to move around so the females are looking for nesting sites,” Dalley said. “So always be careful when crossing the roads. They don’t know how to look both ways. They just go.”

Dalley said warmer temperatures can quickly bring animals out of their winter dens and increase the risk of wildlife being injured on roads.

“They’ve been hunkered into their dens for so long because it’s been so cold and they’re just like us — we want to get out and take advantage of the nice weather,” she said. “Food sources are starting to come around. Bugs are starting to be out and about, and so they’re looking for new sources.”

She said staff have also begun to see early signs of other wildlife activity, including young squirrels admitted after falling from a nest.

“Two squirrels have already come in,” Dalley said. “They fell out of their nest. They were unable to be reunited with mom. They’re about two or three weeks old already.”

While the turtle rescue may be earlier than usual, Dalley said some animals begin reproducing well before spring officially arrives.

“We’re getting off of February, which is the month of love, so lots of animals were mating,” she said. “Now they’re trying to find spots to have their kids and grow up.”

Dalley said the recent warm spell has also contributed to more wildlife movement — and more animals being found dead along roadways.

“There is a big uptick in roadkill lately,” she said. “That’s because they’re on the move. It’s nice weather, so they’re starting to get going and find new places to hunker down.”

She said drivers should remain especially cautious around wetlands and natural areas where turtles and other wildlife are more likely to cross.

“Where that turtle came from, there were actually three other turtles that were smashed on that road, and it was where there were turtle crossing signs,” Dalley said. “Always be cautious, especially around wet areas.”

Meteorologists say the recent swings between warm and cold weather in southwestern Ontario are typical during the transition from winter to spring.

Steven Flisfeder, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, said Windsor-Essex is particularly prone to those fluctuations.

“It’s very common in southern Ontario, particularly extreme southwestern Ontario, where you’re getting closer to those warmer air masses coming up from the U.S. Gulf Coast,” he said. “But you’re also influenced by Arctic Canadian weather, so you do get those big swings late winter as we transition into spring.”

Flisfeder said residents should expect those changes to continue through the coming weeks.

“We had the past few days 15, 20 degrees in the Windsor-Essex area, and as we get through this weekend we’re going to be dropping down below zero,” he said. “Then once again we’ll ramp back up to the teens early next week before swinging back down again.”

Even as warmer days arrive, health officials say residents should also be aware that ticks can become active during milder periods.

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit says the region is considered a risk area for black-legged ticks, which can carry Lyme disease. The health unit reported 17 cases of Lyme disease locally in 2024 — the highest number recorded in the region.

Some people enjoying outdoor trails say they are already taking precautions.

“I’m more cautious,” said Deborah Hotchkiss while walking at Ojibway Park.

“I’m wearing long pants and I’m cautious to check my dog before I put them back in the car.”

Patty Paraschak said she doesn’t always think about ticks while walking, but still takes some precautions when she returns home.

“I guess when I get home, I take my boots off right away,” she said.

Dalley said with wildlife activity expected to increase in the coming weeks, motorists can help prevent injuries by slowing down and watching for animals, especially during early morning and evening hours.

“Just drive slow,” she said.

“Dusk and dawn are usually when they’re moving the most.”