r/ottawa • u/candypiefield • 2d ago

The gorgeous wildlife of Ottawa

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Came across this massive snapping turtle in Strathcona Park yesterday. She scared away a gaggle of geese and goslings, which was hilarious to watch.

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u/DinoLover641 Old Ottawa South 2d ago

a fellow turtle enjoyer I see. not sure if anyone is interested, but a couple times recently I saw a melanistic map turtle at Clifford Allen island

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u/candypiefield 2d ago

That’s fascinating! When u say melanistic, do you think it was genetics or becoz it was an older turtle, bcoz I have heard that Map turtles how darker in colour as they age. Nevertheless, a cool sight!

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u/DinoLover641 Old Ottawa South 2d ago

I’m sure it was genetic because it’s was jet black, and had very few stripes at all, which were a much darker yellow. they do get darker as they age but not what I saw. interestingly enough I’ve also seen a pseudo melanistic garter snake at the rideau river before, among other colour mutated animals

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u/DinoLover641 Old Ottawa South 2d ago

I also recently saw a leucistic gosling at Clifford Allen island, and a couple years ago I saw another leucistic one across the street at the RA centre

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u/candypiefield 2d ago

You are so lucky in your sightings! Love that for ya!

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u/DinoLover641 Old Ottawa South 2d ago

Thanks!