Are Spotted Turtles legal in Pennsylvania?

Typically, as long as it can be proved it was captive-bred it is fine.

I'll try to find out by doing a little research, but you might want to try asking an official turtle forum.

EDIT: Found out......... here's a direct quote from

http://theturtlesource.com/turtle_inventory.asp?ca...

"Spotted Turtle populations have come out on the short end of interaction with man for some time now. Habitat destruction, road kills, over collecting, pollution and higher racoon populations all have led to the protection of this species through out their natural range. Only through the efforts of breeders is this species available for keepers. Our captive born Spotted Turtles can only be shipped to states that they occur naturally in (Maine south to Georgia, west to Illinois) if the recipient has obtained the proper state permit. Non range states are fine to ship to."

So, since they naturally occur in PA, you need to obtain a permit to own one first.......check with your local wildlife Agency and inquire about obtaining one for a CAPTIVE BRED turtle.....makes sure they know it is going to be captive bred, and if necessary, allow them to forward/fax a permit to wherever you purchase it from..........that way they will oversee the purchase and confirm that you just didn't take one from the wild.

Check with the Fish and Boat Commission in Bellefonte. They can tell you what legal hoops you have to jump through. You might want to start with their website.

My impression is that they will be no more helpful than they have to be. They are honest, though, and won't go out of their way to make life difficult for you.

Why wouldn't they be. That wasn't that smart of a question you should of explained more. Josh