Scugog: Turtle Patrol volunteers logged 30 sightings in first season, vet clinic reports

Vets Around the Corner says its Turtle Patrol program logged 30 turtle sightings in Scugog between June and August 2026, in the program's first season. The Port Perry veterinary clinic launched the volunteer program in June after caring for seven road-injured turtles by May.

The clinic says 25 volunteers recorded seven turtles helped alive across roads, four nesting females, one disturbed nest, three injured turtles and 15 turtles found dead after vehicle strikes. The deadliest spots were Highway 7A and Simcoe Street North, with six deaths each in concentrated areas, according to the clinic's report, posted Oct. 29, 2026.

Vets Around the Corner says it donated $49,927.83 in veterinary care and treated 53 turtles from May to August, including radiographs, bandaging, transports and one surgery; two turtles were euthanized. For 2027, the clinic says it plans to focus patrols on the hotspots, share its data with road authorities and expand the volunteer team.