News & Events

New Law a Conservation Win for Minnesota’s Wild Turtles

On January 1st, 2024, an important law for turtle conservation took effect for turtles native to Minnesota.

This law prohibits the commercial harvest of two species: Western Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta bellii) and Common Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina). While these two species face threats including increased nest predation, habitat destruction and fragmentation, and pollution, the overharvesting of adults for the food and pet trades pose among their greatest threats for long-term population survival. Legal protection and action like this law aim to slow the decline of these populations.

Turtle Survival Alliance bolsters support for legislation that supports the protection of wild turtles in the face of overharvesting, hunting, and pet collection. In March 2021, we joined in supporting the advocacy movement to protect Minnesota’s turtles from overharvesting. Now enacted into law, these protections are a step forward in our mission to create a world where wild populations of turtles thrive in the wild.

Conservation wins like this are essential, but the work is far from over. Advocacy for turtle conservation is an ongoing endeavor. 

To support our work to protect wild turtles, contribute today at the link in our bio.

Photo courtesy of Derek Montgomery for MPR News.

Pictured: Western Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta bellii)