Sent to the Gazette for publication:
Lucky for this little fellow, Worth A Dam member Cheryl Reynolds was standing by when a young man fishing near the beaver dam accidentally caught this Western Pond Turtle. Reynolds is a volunteer at the International Bird Rescue and Research Center, and once managed the Lindsay Wildlife Hospital, After the turtle was safely released back into the water, she was able to explain that pond turtles are considered a “species of special concern” and their numbers are carefully watched around the state.
The young man hadn’t intended to catch anything but carp, but Reynolds explained there are unintended and dangerous consequences to fishing in such a sensitive habitat area. “We find fishing tackle and tangled line all over the banks and dams, and this creates a significant risk for birds and other wildlife.” Although the mayor has been approached regarding an ordinance prohibiting fishing in the area, no action has yet been taken. “In the mean time its up to us to explain the risks and encourage youngsters to take their fishing somewhere else.” Reynolds observed, “It’s a big creek and if the beavers are left undisturbed to do their restorative work, they’ll be lots to fish for in the future.”
