Each spring, researchers at the biological station watch the local turtles emerge from under the ice at Lake Opinicon, a reminder of how much life depends on healthy lakes and predictable winters. Carleton University biologist Grégory Bulté, has been monitoring the local northern map turtle population, a species at risk, since 2003.
A March 14, 2026 CNN photo story documents a 2022 event where roughly 10% of the northern map turtle population in Lake Opinicon died under the ice, likely linked to changing winter conditions and increased predation by river otters. Climate change and warmer, less reliable winters could make hibernating turtles more vulnerable to predators and other human-driven threats. Long-term data also demonstrates how slowly populations recover after major losses, making every adult turtle incredibly important.
https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2026/03/climate/canada-turtle-deaths-otters-cnnphotos/