Freshwater turtles out and about during breeding season, Geraldton council urge residents to keep watch

The City of Greater Geraldton has issued a warning urging residents to keep a watchful eye out for freshwater turtles after sightings in the Chapman and Greenough rivers. The increased sightings coincide with their breeding season starting, which typically occurs between September and November. The native dinner plate turtle and naturalised southwest snake long neck turtle venture away from wetlands in search of nesting sites., and during their journey can become vulnerable to vehicles and predators. The City has advised residents to take hatchling turtles to the nearest wetland, escort adult turtles across roads but do not pick them up, keep dogs on leashes in these areas, and drive slowly around river and estuary areas. If you see a turtle being attacked by a predator, it is fine to intervene as long as it is safe to do so. Turtle sightings can be recorded on the TurtleSAT website at www.turtlesat.org.au or download the TurtleSAT app.