Why they're in trouble:
The Pacific Northwest is home to two native turtle species – western painted and western pond turtles. Because their hatchlings are small and grow slowly, they become easy prey for predators, including non-native species such as bullfrogs and largemouth bass. Non-native turtles – which can enter the environment when pet owners "set them free" – compete for habitat and can spread diseases to native turtles. The destruction of wetlands, invasive plants, water diversion and dams also deprive native turtles of critical habitat.
