Western Painted Turtle Day

An informational celebration of Elizabeth Lake's turtles and all area Western Painted Turtles was held on Tuesday May 12, with local naturalists in attendance for interpretation of the turtles' life cycle.  Unfortunately the high water at Elizabeth Lake over the last summer took a toll the turtle's nesting grounds and many babies did not survive as the young drowned while hatching. Further, the lack of areas for the turtles to lay their eggs resulted in many  eggs being laid in strange places such a driveways of local properties. Western Painted turtles are considered a species at risk. There is hope for some recovery of the turtle community this year at the Elizabeth Lake.

The following photos by Stewart Wilson of more Western Painted Turtles were taken at Campbell Lake just north of Fort Steele.