Oregon
Turtle possession, collection, and commercial regulations for Oregon, as researched by Nauti-Lass Ponds & Critters.
Oregon Wildlife AgencyLaws listed here were current as of January 1, 2015. Laws change frequently — always verify with your state's wildlife agency before purchasing or keeping turtles. This is not legal advice.
Native Turtle Species
- Painted Turtle
- Western Pond Turtle
Law Summary
SUMMARY OF OREGON TURTLE LAWS
1. Oregon has only two native turtles: the Western Painted and the Western Pond. They are both protected by law; it is illegal to take them from the wild and to keep them as pets.
2. It is unlawful to release any non-native species into the wild.
3. Except for federally protected species, turtles listed below may be imported, possessed, sold, purchased, exchanged or transported in the state without a permit: Pignose turtles (Carettochelyidae) — All species; Austro-American side-necked turtles (Chelidae) — All species; River turtles (Dermatemydidae) — All species; Pond and box turtles (Emydidae) — All nonnative species except Pseudemys spp., Trachemys spp., Chinemys spp., Clemmys spp., Chrysemys spp., Graptemys spp., Emys orbicularis, Emydoidea blandingii and Mauremys spp.; American mud and musk turtles (Kinosternidae) — All species except Kinosternon subrubrum and K. odoratum; Afro-American side-necked turtles (Pelomedusidae) — All species; Bighead turtles (Platysternidae) — All species; Tortoises (Testudinidae) — All species; Softshell turtles (Trionychidae) — All species except Apalone spp. and Trionyx triunguis.
4. Live wildlife listed below may NOT be imported, possessed, sold, purchased, exchanged or transported in the state: Snapping turtle (Chelydridae) — All species and hybrids; Chinese pond turtle (Emydidae) — Chinemys All species and hybrids; Pond turtle (Emydidae) — Clemmys All nonnative species; Painted turtle (Emydidae) — Chrysemys All nonnative sub-species; European pond turtle (Emydidae) — Emys orbicularis; Blanding's turtle (Emydidae) — Emydoidea blandingii; Map turtle (Emydidae) — Graptemys All species and hybrids; Asian pond turtle (Emydidae) — Mauremys All species and hybrids; Pond slider (Emydidae) — Pseudemys and Trachemys All species and hybrids; Common musk turtle (Kinosternidae) — Kinosternon odoratum; Common mud turtle (Kinosternidae) — Kinosternon subrubrum; North American soft shell (Trionychidae) — Apalone All species and hybrids; African soft shell (Trionychidae) — Trionyx triunguis.