Main Street Myrtle returns home after 8 months at Hope for Wildlife
After being in the care of Hope for Wildlife for 245 days, Main Street Myrtle is set to head home to mark World Turtle Day.
Her name originates from her history of crossing Main Street in Dartmouth. Some may recognize her from when she first became famous after backing up a nearby Tim Hortons drive-thru.
Back in September 2021, the beloved snapping turtle was run over by a vehicle while attempting to cross the intersection of Main Street and Forest Hills Parkway in Dartmouth.
As a result, she suffered fractures to her shell and healed at the facility.
However, Myrtle's strength through her injuries didn't end there.
Upon reviewing her X-ray, staff at Hope for Wildlife learned the turtle swallowed an entire fish hook and leader. Luckily, she was able to digest the hook herself a few months later.
Her time spent at the facility happened to fall into a turtle's hibernation season, but because Myrtle needed to heal from her injuries, she was placed in a warm and humid room to keep her awake.
On Monday, which was World Turtle Day, Myrtle and staff members made their way to her home, Topsail Lake.
"If she's happy with the spot, she'll go into the water," said Clarence Stevens of Nova Scotia Turtle Patrol.
Main Street Myrtle swam into the water shortly after being placed nearby.
"She has made a full recovery and today was her release day to coincide with World Turtle Day," said Amy Honey of Hope for Wildlife.
Officials say they added gravel close to the area to prevent her from travelling towards the road when it's time to lay any eggs -- a reason why she has a record exploring the roads.
World Turtle Day was created as an annual observance to celebrate and protect the species, along with their global disappearing habitats.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Former Air Canada employees among suspects identified in gold heist at Pearson airport: police
Police say one former and one current employee of Air Canada are among the nine suspects that are facing charges in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.
'$6.66 per day': Advocacy groups disheartened by funding in budget for disability benefit
Advocacy groups across Canada are expressing widespread disappointment about the amount of funding earmarked in the 2024 federal budget for the long-awaited Canada Disability Benefit.
BREAKING Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter banned from NBA
Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter has been handed a lifetime ban from The National Basketball Association (NBA) following an investigation which found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors, the league says.
Earthquake jolts southern Japan
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.4 hit southern Japan late on Wednesday, said the Japan Meteorological Agency, without issuing a tsunami warning.
MPs summon ArriveCan contractor to the House to be admonished in rare parliamentary display
Enacting an extraordinarily rarely used parliamentary power, MPs have summoned an ArriveCan contractor to appear before the House of Commons on Wednesday afternoon to be admonished publicly for failing to answer their questions.
opinion Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster
A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election?
Gas prices across Ontario expected to climb to levels not seen since 2022, analyst says
Ontario is going to see a big jump at the pumps later this week as gas prices in the province hit levels not seen in nearly two years, according to one industry analyst.
Ancient skeletons unearthed in France reveal Mafia-style killings
More than 5,500 years ago, two women were tied up and probably buried alive in a ritual sacrifice, using a form of torture associated today with the Italian Mafia, according to an analysis of skeletons discovered at an archeological site in southwest France.
Paul McCartney and John Lennon’s sons have released a single together
A new Lennon and McCartney collaboration is the last thing anybody expected.