WANT A PET? GET A DOG!

Turtles live a REALLY long time - sometimes more than 20 years!
20 years is a long time to commit.
By purchasing a turtle, you are encouraging pet stores to continue selling turtles that may be illegally caught in the wild.

Releasing domesticated turtles is illegal and cruel.
Your pet is used to being fed on a regular basis and doesn't know how to find its own food. It may slowly starve to death.
Your turtle may not know how to avoid predators and could be eaten.
It may carry diseases and parasites that could devastate native turtle populations.
The most serious consequence is that non-native turtles CAN survive in Oregon, and are displacing native turtles and other wildlife.

Try to return it to the pet store where you bought it. If they won't take it, call the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife regional office at (971) 673-6000.
It is especially important not to release your pet red-eared slider turtles because they are a non-native species and are out competing the native turtles in the area

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is cracking down on illegal turtle sales.
If you suspect a pet store is selling wild-caught turtles, you can report them by calling 971-673-6000

					The Lower Willamette Turtle Conservation Project was formed to share expertise among various organizations and agencies involved in turtle conservation and to promote appreciation and conservation of turtles by all Oregonians.