Which Turtles Are Protected in Michigan?

In many parts of the United States, certain types of wildlife are protected. This means that they cannot be taken from the wild, hunted or moved from one location to another. Some species are protected in order to help their populations get re-established if they become threatened or endangered, while other species are designated as official state reptiles. In Michigan, several turtles are protected.

  1. Protected Turtle Species

    • The spotted turtle is protected as a threatened species in Michigan, which means it is illegal to collect, hunt or harm them. Other turtles in Michigan, such as the Blanding's turtle, the eastern box turtle and the wood turtle are considered special concern species, which means they are not protected by law but may be eventually because they are experiencing a decline in populations.

    Reasons for Protection

    • Native turtles need protection in some areas because their local populations are slowly being depleted. While legal protection cannot stop natural predators from eating turtle eggs or save turtles from pollution, it creates a deterrent for poachers who would take turtles to sell them illegally by imposing fines and jail time on them.

    Not Protected Species

    • Species of turtles in Michigan that are not protected by law include the common map turtle, the common musk turtle, the painted turtle, the spiny soft-shell turtle and the red eared slider. The red eared slider is not native to Michigan but has been introduced all over the United States as released pets have established themselves.

    Status

    • According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, some turtles that are not protected by law in Michigan are still threatened because of humans and some are even harvested for food. The common musk turtle is becoming threatened because of human development and construction in its native habitat. The spiny soft-shell turtle is also threatened due to development, pollution and over-harvest. The snapping turtle is also threatened because of over-harvest.