Herping Trip for some of Onatrio's Reptiles (Part 1/2)

This was a weekend for reptiles.

On Friday march 14th Sterling and I went out to an area within the Niagara region in hopes of finding some elusive reptiles.

When we got to the parking spot we quickly threw on our waders, got out our camera gear and started walking with our heads held high in great hopes of what we would see. Although I cannot tell you where we were hiking, I can tell you that it is very tough and tiring terrain to walk through in waders!

So, after a good long walk to the site and another half hour or so of looking in water bodies we were starting to feel anxious that we may not find any herps, let alone our main hope/target for the day.

Thankfully just then I heard a slither and our spirits were instantly lifted! Although it wasn't a target species of the day it was still my first of the year and it was great to see a reptile none the less. This beautiful creature was an Eastern Gartersnake. A dashing one at that.

Eastern Garter Snake - Niagara Region

Eastern Garter Snake - Niagara Region

Eastern Garter Snake - Niagara Region

Eastern Garter Snake - Niagara Region

With our spirits now lifted and a few photographs captured we decided to press on deeper into the site.

We made it to an opening which I had previously checked and knew was a good area to look for our target species. And I think it's about time to tell you what that target species was... but just for fun, lets keep it a surprise until you see the pictures!

Walking up and down the first flooded area produced another first of the year sighting for the both of us. A large snapping turtle was spotted trudging through the water off in the distance.

Common Snapping Turtle - Niagara Region

Always a pleasure seeing these large beasts.

But this still was not our goal. that came about 10 minutes later, in a devastating fashion. walking back out towards dry land I happened to look down and see this unfortunate sight.



If you know your Ontario turtles you will know what species that is.. and why it was heart breaking. We found our goal for the day, only to have the shell remaining.

Disappointed, angry, and running short on time, we decided to take one quick look over towards the next flooded area where some chorus frogs and peepers were calling before we had to leave. This is when the magic happened. I called out to Sterling and said "Hey Sterling I think it's time to go. We both have stuff we need to do this afternoon still" and he replied with a swift "ya, you're right". So we turned around, started walking, and five seconds later Sterling yells "I GOT ONE". Sitting right in front of him was this beautiful juvenile turtle.
Spotted turtle - Niagara Region

Spotted turtle - Niagara Region

Spotted turtle - Niagara Region

Yes that's right, and if you haven't guessed already, that is a spotted turtle! An endangered species in Ontario that can be very difficult to find if you do not know where to look, when to look, or how to look for them. Heck, we had trouble finding this guy and we even knew all of those things!

Now late for our afternoon endeavors, we attempted to rush out of the densely vegetated area and, thanks to Sterling **cough cough**, got lost along the way. We had to bush wack through some unpleasant terrain and were exhausted and hungry by the end of it to say the least. However, none of that mattered to us. At the end of the day we were two very happy campers. We found and got to take a couple photos of a spotted turtle(!) along with a few other herps, and had a great time doing so. Hopefully he survives to adulthood and helps keep the population going.

Part two to come shortly.

Until then,

- Ryan

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