UNHAPPY ENDING
Leatherback turtle found dead in Bras d’Or Lake important for research
Leatherback turtle found frozen in ice.
Finding a leatherback turtle frozen in the ice on the Bras D’Or Lake could lead to finding out valuable information about the species.
“It’s exciting but it’s sad,” said Kayla Hamelin, assistant director of conservation and education at the Canadian Sea Turtle Network.
“From our perspective, even finding the turtle this is a new record and a new environment for this animal.”
The discovery was made over the weekend by Ron MacLean. What he thought was an upturned boat along the shores close to Eskasoni First Nation was actually a dead leatherback turtle, the largest reptile in the world.
While the turtles have been spotted along shorelines in Nova Scotia and Cape Breton during the summer to feed, these turtles who lived with the dinosaurs generally move to the Caribbean and warmer waters in the winter for mating.
“These are turtles that are coming from Latin America and the Caribbean who come to our waters to feed on jellyfish,” Hamelin said during a phone interview.
“This is very interesting to have a turtle carcass that was found confirming that they can be found in the Bras d’Or Lake. Unfortunately, it was dead but it’s not surprising at this time of year because normally the
turtles have already headed south so clearly this was an animal who was here at a time when they normally wouldn’t be there.”
Through her position at the Canadian Sea Turtle Network, which is based in Halifax, Hamelin does community outreach and education seminars. While many people have told her they have spotted the turtles in the Bras d’Or Lake, this is the first time there is photo documentation.
After trying to contact the
Department of Fisheries and Oceans and not getting in touch with anyone, MacLean emailed the Canadian Sea Turtle Network. This is something Hamelin said should always be done.
“The reason why this was discovered was because this community member decided to reach out and report this animal … in the future if anyone sees or hears about a leatherback turtle in their area, let us know. We love to know about these sightings and strandings,” she said.
Hamelin suggests taking pictures, video and any notes to give them as much information as possible. And if a leatherback turtle is spotted on the shores in Cape Breton, Hamelin said it is important to call DFO or the Sea Turtle Network immediately because the animal is in distress.
“Leatherback turtles come to shore to lay their eggs. They do not lay eggs around here so if you see one on the beach it is stranded.”
The leatherback turtle is now in P.E.I. at the Atlantic Veterinary College for examination. It is unclear how long this will take but Hamelin said she is excited by the information they may learn from this exam.