06/12/2026
On this last day of Wild Turtle Week, we want to remind you that wild turtles belong in the wild, and pet turtles belong in responsible homes (aka NOT in the wild)!
Did you know it's illegal in New York to A) collect turtles from the wild or B) to release pet turtles into natural habitats? Taking wild turtles can harm native turtle populations, especially because many species reproduce slowly and are already facing many threats, such as habitat loss.
Releasing pet turtles is also a problem. Turtles have very complex needs and a long lifespan, which can lead to people abandoning them when they outgrow their small tanks. Releasing a pet turtle, or "setting it free," can do more harm than good for the animal and for the area it was released into. Many dumped pets don’t survive, and those that do can introduce diseases, compete with native wildlife, and disrupt local ecosystems. For example, the red-eared slider turtle (pictured here) is a popular pet and is now invasive on every continent except Antarctica!
If you or someone you know can no longer care for a pet turtle, contact a local reptile rescue, animal shelter, or wildlife agency for guidance. And if you see a turtle in the wild, the best thing you can do is admire it from a distance and leave it right where you found it.
📷: Melissa Fadden
