Nova Scotia’s Endangered Blanding’s Turtle (Underwater Video)

On our most recent trip to Kejimkujik National Park, we rented a canoe and paddled up the Mersey River.

And while we expected to see some painted turtles, we were surprised to spot both a snapping and a Blanding’s turtle. The snapper was fast and dove down when we spotted him. But the Blanding’s turtle wasn’t afraid at all. (Maybe that’s why they’re endangered.)

The Blanding’s population in Nova Scotia is considered endangered by the Federal Species at Risk Public Registry. In 2005 (the most recent survey) there were an estimated 210 to 245 adult Blanding’s turtles remaining in the province.

Here’s the footage we got – this little guy was pretty curious about my GoPro camera.

Blanding’s Turtle Underwater Video

To get this shot, we floated over to the shore and had the GoPro attached to my 48″ selfie stick (monopod).

Your Turn

Have you seen a Blanding’s Turtle in Nova Scotia? What did you see on your recent canoe/kayak trip?