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Snakes and Turtles

Snakes and Turtles

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Snakes​

Most snakes play a vital role in controlling rodent populations and maintaining ecological balance. Native snakes in Brampton​ are limited to harmless species, such as the Eastern Garter Snake, Northern Red-bellied Snake, Northern Water Snake, and Eastern Milk Snake, which are commonly found in gardens and parks. Wild venomous snakes (like the Massasauga) are not native to the Brampton area.

Native snakes are timid and rarely bite unless provoked. If found in a garden, they are likely feeding on pests. Snakes are ectotherms, meaning they cannot regulate their body temperature and rely on their environment to do so. This is why many people will see snakes lying on rocks on a sunny day.

While encountering a snake can be startling, it’s important to remember that snakes are fairly harmless; they won’t normally bite and generally try to avoid human contact altogether.

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  • Try to keep your distance
  • Do not attempt to handle or kill the snake
  • Gently spray it with a garden hose to encourage it to move along if it's in your yard. Snakes will generally move off.

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  • Remove any sandy soils, wood piles or debris they could take refuge in to hibernate in the winter. Keep grass trimmed and bushes tidy.
  • Strong-smelling substances like sulphur, cayenne pepper, garlic, onions and essential oils (cinnamon, clove, peppermint, cedarwood) are just a few examples. It is recommended that you apply these in a 12–24-inch barrier around the yard or affected area and reapply after heavy rain.
  • Seal ground-level holes or cracks and watch for warped siding.

Turtles

Turtles are a vital part of our local ecosystems in Brampton. Often referred to as nature’s gardeners and janitors, they help maintain healthy environments by dispersing seeds, fertilizing soil through digestion, and cleaning waterways by consuming dead fish and plant matter.

Brampton is home to several of Ontario’s eight native turtle species, most commonly the Midland Painted Turtle and the Snapping Turtle. These species are considered at risk at the provincial and/or federal level, making their protection an important shared responsibility within our community. In addition to native species, residents may encounter the Red-eared Slider, a non-native, invasive turtle often found in local ponds. These turtles are typically released by pet owners and can negatively impact native wildlife and habitats.

From late May to mid-July, turtles enter their nesting season. During this time, females leave the water to lay their eggs before returning, as they do not remain with their nests. You may notice protective boxes with screening placed over nesting sites—these are installed to help safeguard eggs from predators and should not be disturbed. It is illegal to interfere with turtle nests in Ontario. Eggs typically incubate for 60–90 days, depending on weather and environmental conditions. Turtles should not be handled without proper authorization unless they are in immediate danger, such as on a roadway.

If you encounter a deceased turtle on the road with an intact shell, please contact Brampton Animal Services. It is possible that viable eggs can still be recovered and transported to a licensed rehabilitation facility.

For more information on turtles, including how to safely assist them, consider connecting with local community groups such as Heart Lake Turtle Troopers or Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre.​

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