Western Pond Turtle

The Western pond turtle (Actinemys marmorata) was once the most common species of turtle that inhabited the Puget Sound region. In 1990 the turtle population was estimated to be around 150 turtles and in 1993 The species became listed as endangered in Washington.

American Bullfrog
A non-native invasive species

            The Turtle population in Washington was in decline due to several reasons. The main hazards and threats that caused this decline in population were the creation of dams, predation from non-native species, and were once a popular source of food for humans. These factors are still effecting the current population growth as well.

Here is a video of a Western Pond Turtle Getting tickled!