Killing of a turtle exemplifies concerns about overtourism, harms to wildlife at Bridal Veil Falls

While the people living on Manitoulin Island welcome tourists to the idyllic area, they say they would like some better behaviour among visitors.

Last month, a large 30 year-old snapping turtle that was well-known for living in the water that pools below Bridal Veil Falls outside the village of Kagawong was found dead on the shores of the river. 

"Somebody dragged it out of the pool, crushed its shell, killed the turtle and left it laying there," said Billings township mayor Bryan Barker. "It really upset the community."

Not only is the snapping turtle that died listed as a Special Concern under the Ontario Endangered Species Act, it was also at an age to produce offspring, which would've helped with local population levels.

The township, in partnership with the Manitoulin Streams Improvement Association, has recently put up signage to educate the public about behaviours that harm the local wildlife. 

This comes as an increasing number of visitors flock to the area to experience one of northern Ontario's most picturesque attractions.

The boost in tourism has been good for local businesses, says Barker, but it has also caused problems.

Visitors have been piling rocks in an attempt to create more of a pool effect, destroying habitats for various fish, frogs and turtles.

Barker says people have gotten into the habit of bringing their bathing suits and taking dips in the water. "It's almost become the equivalent of a public swimming pool," he said.

Seija Deschenes, Manitoulin Streams Project co-ordinator, adds they've also heard reports of people bathing at Bridal Veil Falls. 

"They bring shampoo and soap and wash themselves under the falls," she said. 

Both hope the signage that was recently put up will encourage people to go swimming at the nearby Kagawong beach instead. 

People causing harms by trying to take pictures for social media

The group also says the unwanted behaviour also includes actions by some people trying to snap a picture they can share on social media. 

That includes sitting on the escarpment on top of the falls, and grabbing salmon as they try to get upriver to the pool to spawn.

"The salmon run is very important for our fishery as it replenishes a lot of our populations," said Deschênes. "Some people are posting pictures of them capturing salmon and holding them up."

"By chasing after the salmon, they're stressing them out. So there's a chance they won't even lay eggs," she said. 

She adds people also inadvertently walk on the nests that salmon build to put their eggs in. 

Signage as first step 

The three signs that were recently put up at the falls represent the first step the township has taken to bolster conservation efforts. 

Barker says his local government is also considering banning swimming in the pool at Bridal Veil Falls, a move that Deschênes would welcome. 

"Part of the Kagawong river is already a fish sanctuary in the fall," she said. "I don't feel that anybody should be in the river whatsoever during the spawning run to protect future generations of fish."

Barker also says the township could eventually pass bylaws and add resources for enforcement, although he would rather start with an attempt to educate the public. 

"Nobody wants to fall back on monetary punishment, like fines," he said. "But with the incident with the turtle it seems like it's a growing issue and we may have to look at some further measures."