Scales Nature Park and its staff have been a part of research efforts around the province involving Spotted Turtles, Eastern Fox Snakes, and various other species, as well as research into the effectiveness of live animal outreach programs on people’s knowledge and attitudes towards reptiles.

In the future, we expect to undertake several research projects at the nature park, and in the surrounding area.

The animals have also played roles in research on reptiles at risk. Small Red-eared Sliders acted as model Spotted Turtles in the development of thermal profiling materials for a M.Sc. candidate studying under Dr. J. D. Litzgus. Samples for genetic work were also collected by Ph.D. candidate Christina Davy from the Royal Ontario Museum/University of Toronto.

All research using animals falls under strict animal care guidelines set by the home university of the researcher undertaking the project. Surveys and wildlife monitoring/research are under permits (if required) to the researcher through the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.