Tiny Endangered Sea Turtle Spotted for the First Time in Quebec
A rare Kemp’s ridley sea turtle was discovered on Quebec’s Magdalen Islands, marking a significant event for the region’s wildlife.
Kemp’s Ridley Turtle, Magdalen Islands, Quebec, Endangered Species, Climate Change
MONTREAL: So, guess what? They found a tiny Kemp’s ridley sea turtle on the Magdalen Islands in Quebec last week. It’s the first time this little guy has been spotted in the province!
A vet named Jean-Simon Richard got a call about the turtle after someone found it washed up on the beach. Sadly, they tried to help it, but it didn’t make it. They’re sending it for a necropsy to figure out what happened.
Richard thinks the turtle might have swum up north because of the warmer waters. Unfortunately, it likely died from hypothermia. It’s a real bummer.
Kathleen Martin, who runs the Canadian Sea Turtle Network, says this find is a big deal. These turtles usually migrate from the Gulf of Mexico, and with climate change, we might see more unexpected visitors like this.
She emphasizes that Canada needs to step up its game in protecting these endangered turtles as our waters warm up. It’s a wake-up call for all of us!