The community shares Smythe Park with two species of turtles native to Ontario and one non-native species.
Snapping Turtles
Snapping Turtles look like small dinosaurs. They grow to about 36 cm and can live up to 100 years. They have large olive or brown shells, typically covered in algae. You will usually see them in the water. Snapping Turtles are classed as a species at risk in Ontario. Learn more …
Midland Painted Turtles
Midland Painted Turtles are smaller turtles with smooth olive coloured shells. They have red edges along their bodies and shells. They do not have red on their head, and this is the easiest way to tell them apart from Red-eared Sliders. They love to bask on logs in the sun and this is where you will usually see them. They grow to about 14 cm and live about 40 years. Learn more …
Red-eared Slider Turtle
Smythe Park ponds are also home to Red-eared Sliders, which are typically released pets. Please don’t release turtles into the wild! If you can no longer care for a turtle, the City of Toronto will take it off your hands. Please call 416-338-7297 to give your turtle to the City.
Red-eared Sliders are larger than Painted Turtles but also love to bask on logs in the sun. Their shells are rougher than Painted Turtles and curve out a little at the edges. They grow to about 30 cm and live for about 30 years. Learn more …