Secret Places

Spotted Turtle, Clemmys guttata

The Owen Sound Field Naturalists Collection, #4

The Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata) is one of Ontario's most strikingly beautiful and elusive reptiles, its jet-black shell adorned with bright yellow spots that make it look almost jewelled, and it represents one of the province's most urgent reptile conservation priorities. A species of cool, clean wetlands, including bogs, fens, marshes, and shrubby swamps, the Spotted Turtle has a limited and fragmented distribution in Ontario, with Grey and Bruce Counties sitting within its core Canadian range, making the region critically important to the species' survival. The Spotted Turtle is listed as Endangered under both the Ontario Endangered Species Act and the federal Species at Risk Act, facing severe pressure from wetland drainage and degradation, illegal collection for the pet trade — which remains a serious and persistent threat — road mortality, and the same slow reproductive maturity that makes all turtle population recoveries painstakingly slow. Conservation efforts focus onprotecting wetland habitats, monitoring known populations, and enforcing anti-poaching measures. Because of their rarity and sensitivity, wildlife biologists strongly discourage sharing specific location data for Spotted Turtle sightings to prevent targeted poaching.

✨ 15% will be donated to conservation from all OSFN Collection original paintings ✨

In a collaboration to highlight the enjoyment of our backyard wildlife here in Ontario, the Owen Sound Field Naturalists and signature member of Artists for Conservation, Sarah McComb Turbitt, created a challenge to paint as many local species as she can during March 2026. 15% of original artworks, 35% of limited-edition prints, and 50% of artwork cards will be donated to OSFN. The Owen Sound Field Naturalists promotes and fosters learning about nature through their ongoing programs and sponsorships. They support a wide variety of activities, including a Young Naturalists Program, stewardship of many natural heritage properties in Grey Bruce Counties, interpretive signage, presentations by knowledgeable speakers and outdoor excursions with experienced leaders.

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Reference photography for inspiration was kindly provided by Rob Way, thank you!

All original artwork is hand-signed by Sarah McComb-Turbitt and includes a certificate of authenticity and white cotton gloves for handling the painting upon delivery.