The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources reports the illegal turtle trade continues to be a major problem. Department staff recently seized a dozen red-eared sliders and eastern painted turtles and 30 Mississippi map turtles from private and retail sellers. Charging “adoption” or “rehoming” fees or any other form of barter is also unlawful.
Because these turtles are relatively cheap to purchase, they are often treated as “disposable pets” which are left to die or released into the wild.