Why Not Collect Turtles From the Wild?

Is it really ethical and/or morally correct to take anything you want from nature just because you think you feel like it or think you have the "right"?

When you take turtles from the wild you not only deplete the wild populations, especially if you are collecting breeding adults, but you subject wild turtles to stresses that many of them never adjust to. Many adult turtles that have never been captive simply will not adjust to the stress of captivity and they will fail to thrive. Is it really okay for humans to plunder these animals for the sake of making a few bucks? Is it really okay to subject them to such stress that they die?

Wild caught turtles often carry a heavy load of parasites, too. Too many people don't realize that the organisms turtles carry in the wild will overload the turtle in captivity. Without treatment by a veterinarian this is another reason why they die at the fault of humans.

Turtles can make wonderful pets if their needs are provided for. Too many humans think that they are "cool" pets so they think they must have one without researching their needs. Turtles in captivity often end up needing treatment by a veterinarian for diseases that most often are caused by improper care. In fact, the majority of turtle illnesses seen by vets are caused by the owner who didn't take the time to make sure his/her turtle was being properly cared for.

This is true for captive bred as well as wild caught. You really need to thoroughly research the requirements of the species you are interested in. You can't just throw them in a tank, throw food pellets at them and think that they are going to thrive. You must know the heating, lighting, feeding requirements for them as well as substrate types, caging requirements, ambient temperatures, humidity. There are so many factors to consider here.

Most turtles need live foods to eat such as fish, crickets, worms, and other live animals. I have been asked many times if a person can't just use cheese for calcium instead of fish. Some people just can't stand to feed them the poor little fish. You can feed them cheese if you want a dead turtle. Reality is that turtles eat live animals, this is what they do in the wild and what they need in captivity. You have to provide what they need not what you want them to need. If what they truly need is not what you want to provide then don't get a turtle. If you do not provide for all their needs then you are not being a responsible pet owner. Once you have them you must provide all their needs. Anything less is neglectful and abusive.

Some people think it's ok to take any turtle that they want from the wild, but these people need to be aware that without the proper licensing and/or permits, they may be breaking local, state, or federal laws. Many species of turtles are protected, not just sea turtles. You say to yourself, "I am only taking two, what's the big deal?" Suppose everyone did that? Then there'd be none left.

Turtles have a lot to face in the wild. It's not just the normal predators but the cars on the road as well as poisons that are put into the wild by humans. Why make it even harder for them to survive by stealing them out of nature?

Most species of turtles can live anywhere from twenty-five to over one hundred years. Before you think about taking that turtle from the wild, think about whether or not it's right for you to possibly cause his death because you want a "cool" pet.

If you really want a turtle that badly, please think about purchasing a healthy one from a reputable breeder. You can find reputable breeders at many reptile shows across the country. There you also will be certain that you are not illegally taking a turtle from his or her home.

Jan McArthur, RVT

Written by Jan McArthur, R.V.T.

Copyright 2000