![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.cwf-fcf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/turtle-eggs-nest-predation-dead-1100x640.jpg\")
Nest predation can be severe and extremely fast given the growing population of raccoons. This year we found a Blanding\u2019s Turtle<\/a> nesting along a roadside one evening in June. We did not want to spook her so we did not stay nearby. Here’s a timeline of what happened next:<\/p>\n Thirty minutes after the nest was completed, the eggs had already been destroyed.<\/p>\n The CWF turtle team was busy in June collecting nests to incubate back in the CWF office, as well as installing nest protectors on other nests.<\/p>\n Nest protectors<\/a> are the simplest way to protect a nest (download how to build your own nest protector<\/a>). A protector has a wooden frame with a wire mesh on top to keep out predators, but allows sun and rain to reach the ground above the nest. Exit holes in the wooden frame allow the hatchlings to leave the protector after they hatch out.<\/p>\n Nest protectors usually work well, but sometimes predators dig under the protector and get at the eggs, and there is a risk that unscrupulous people can find and steal the nest<\/a> because of the protector.<\/p>\n Many locations are simply not suitable for nest protectors. It is generally not safe to install them on road shoulders, as they can be a risk to vehicles than need to pull off the road. Road shoulders are also a risky place for hatchlings. If they go onto the road, they may be killed by a vehicle on their first day aboveground. For nests in risky locations, instead of installing nest protectors, we collect the eggs and incubate them. After the eggs hatch, the hatchlings are released at the nearest wetland to the nest.<\/p>\n Here are two examples from this year of eggs laid in poor locations:<\/p>\n One Snapping Turtle<\/a> laid her eggs in the grassy median surrounded by roads on all three sides. This is a poor nesting site for a number of reasons. The area certainly will get lots of sunshine, but being surrounded by roads may mean the median will be hot and dry. If the soil is too dry the eggs will perish. And of course, even if the eggs did hatch out, no matter which way the hatchlings go they would have to cross a busy road and likely be killed. Hopefully, the mother turtle finds a safer place to lay her eggs next year.<\/p>\n Another Snapping Turtle was a sports fan. At least we think she must have been as she laid her eggs in a baseball diamond, near home plate. Installing a nest protector was not an option so we collected these eggs. This nest had a remarkable 65 eggs \u2013 the largest Snapping Turtle nest we have ever collected. Hopefully, next year the mother turtle can temper her enthusiasm for baseball.<\/p>\n In total, the CWF turtle team has collected over 750 turtle eggs for incubation<\/a> this year. Each hatchling we release will still have a difficult life ahead, but each one will have already beaten the odds and survived to hatching. We will send them on their way and wish the next generation of turtles well.<\/p>\n\n
Nest Protectors<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.cwf-fcf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/building-turtle-nest-protector-mack-lake-1100x640.jpg\")
Saving By Collecting (Spoiler: Leave it to the Professionals)<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.cwf-fcf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/turtle-nest-road-eggs-rescue-1100x792.jpg\")
Example #1<\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.cwf-fcf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/snapping-turtle-nesting-area-road-1100x702.jpg\")
Example #2<\/h4>\n
Learn more about Canada’s freshwater turtles and how to help at HelpTheTurtles.ca<\/a><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"