Traumatic Injuries in Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtles (Apalone spinifera) Due to Recreational Activities in the Northern Lake Champlain Basin

Abstract

We report several boat propeller- and fishing-related injuries sustained by eastern spiny softshell turtles (Apalone spinifera) from the northern Lake Champlain basin of Québec and Vermont. These incidents may have negative impacts at the population level when added to habitat alterations and other mortality factors challenging this threatened and isolated northern population.