Virgina

In 2021, the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation to provide greater protection for wild reptiles and amphibians. According to Virginia Administrative Code 4VAC15-360-10, there can be no more than one individual of any native or naturalized non-SGCN (Species of Greatest Conservation Need) species of amphibian or reptile per physical address. That means that many species of turtles can not be legally possessed at all, including those that are most often poached in the illegal pet trade: Woodland Box Turtle, Spotted Turtle, Bog Turtle, Wood Turtle, and the Northern Diamond-backed Terrapin.

Herps of Virginia

https://dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/nuisance/turtles/

• It is illegal to sell or purchase any turtle species that are native or naturalized in Virginia, but they may be given away and kept as pets, as long as no more than one individual non-SGCN (Species of Greatest Conservation Need) amphibian or reptile is in captivity per physical address.
• Turtle species that are not native or naturalized in Virginia, and are not federally listed as threatened or endangered, may be sold or purchased, either on your own or through a pet store.
• Under 4VAC15-360-10, it shall be lawful to capture and possess live for private use and not for sale or export no more than one individual non-SGCN (Species of Greatest Conservation Need) amphibian or reptile per physical address.
• Private use is interpreted as live possession for the purpose of keeping it as a pet.
• Red-eared Sliders may not be taken or possessed in any number for private use.

Virginia regulations allow you to return a turtle to the wild, ONLY if the following criteria are met:

1. the captured reptile or amphibian is released within 30 days of capture;
2. the animal is released only at the exact location where it was captured;
3. the animal was not housed with any other reptiles or amphibians during its time in captivity; and
4. the animal is not displaying any signs of illness or injury. Also, if the turtle you capture does lay eggs, you need to be aware of another part of the Virginia regulation that states you can collect and keep for personal use, no more than five individuals of any single species of reptile or amphibian. There could be as many as 20 to 30 eggs, which if all hatch, would put you well over the limit you are legally allowed to collect and keep.