Page 88 - 2023 LAKE ST CLAIR GUIDE

It’s not to cut off a
Big flag at corner whole lot of time to get
into the South or North
Channel (because of
NO WAKE ZONE in-
S Channel - St. Clair River North Channel, across scenery to take a short break. There are
side this short canal)
however, if you’re just
N Channel
cruising around enjoy-
ing a boat ride, this is
Entrance from the
a nice little change of
from Algonac Harbour Club

setting to allow the indige-
Cut through Russell Island to several interesting houses along the way.
nous species to share the
the North Channel from S. Channel land. Having a diversified
natural habitat, you won’t
need to go far to see more
wildlife, they’ll live in your
Entrance on the South Channel Side own backyard.
MAY I CATCH A TUR-
Pretty good landmark house and claws of the tur- TLE? Michigan has
here on S. Channel tle. The easiest way, 10 species of turtles managed by DNR.
though, is with a blan- Four species are protected - Wood,
ket or tarp, picking up Blanding’s, Spotted, and the Eastern
the corners with the Box.
turtle in the middle. TURTLES for Pets: Four com-
Remember to take it mon species you may keep as a pet -
to the side “where it Painted, Map, Musk, Red-Eared Slider.
Inside this fairly wide channel as we They are smaller and are mainly used
proceed out to the North Channel side was going.” as a pet or in an aquarium. A turtle
(across from Algonac Harbour Club) Our ever-increas-
ing seawalls and cut- can live 50 years, so theoretically you’ll
Let’s Talk Turtles Cont. ting down of natural never need to take another one. The
DNR encourage kids to explore but
from Page 73 areas around the water limits the areas reminds that turtles don’t make good
act of kindness can make a difference a turtle can lay eggs. Seeing all the pets.
in sustaining their population. fallen trees in the Clinton River is cer- However, they do encourage kids to
Lifting the turtle with the hands is dif- tainly not always attractive, however, it learn and to catch a turtle and watch it
ficult and can be dangerous. Snappers is a necessary habitat not only for the for a few days and then let it go. Then
can stretch their necks back across turtles but lots of other fish and birds. do it again on the next field trip to give
their own shell and to their hind feet on When possible while designing your kids a reason to explore - your kids
either side to bite. The safest way to yard, whether it be on the water or not, can’t keep a turtle in a shoebox forev-
pick up a common Snapping turtle is the DNR suggests, if at all possible, er. If you plan on taking a turtle, you’ll
to grasp the shell above the back legs have a human area, and then allow 65- need a Recreational Fishing License.
keeping hands safe from both the beak 70% of the property to remain a natural CAN I EAT A TURTLE? There are
some strict rules and
some protected Michigan
turtles, but the answer is
yes! The common Snap-
ping turtle is a traditional
ingredient in turtle soup.
Cont. to 90

Page 88 The author, publisher, or seller assumes no liability with respect to the use of information contained herein