Close up of a Blanding's Turtle, its face and front legs are peeking through its shell

Wild Turtle Week

Updated July 30, 2026

Join us for Wild Turtle Week!

Wild Turtle Week 2027 will run from June 7–11, 2027. Join the slow and steady movement on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Use the #WildTurtleWeek hashtag and share one of our Wild Turtle Week infographics!

Wild Turtle Week happens in the second week of June every year, and is a collaborative initiative between the Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC), the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA), and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to promote appreciation and conservation for native turtles.

Reptiles are not often used to inspire conservation action, but they are fascinating creatures and serve indispensable roles in ecosystems across the planet. We all benefit from their role in controlling pest species and service as prey to birds and other animals.
Dr. Sean T. O'Brien, President and CEO of NatureServe

Turtle-y awesome

Turtles have been roaming the earth since the days of the dinosaurs – some fossils date back more than 220 million years. They hold cultural significance for many societies and play important roles in the environment. Some plant species depend upon turtles for habitat and to disperse their seeds!

The U.S. is a global hotspot for turtle biodiversity. We are home to more than 60 known turtle species, many that are found only here. But our turtles face growing threats from habitat loss, disease, and vehicles when crossing roads. The illegal collection of wild turtles is making matters worse.

Bog turtle hatching next to penny — Bog turtle hatchings are very small, note the penny for comparison.

Every turtle counts

Turtles can’t afford these losses. It takes many species a decade or more to reach reproductive age, if they make it at all. Most eggs and hatchlings are eaten by predators. Those that do make it must reproduce for their entire lives just to ensure they replace themselves in the population.

When we lose individual turtles from the wild, we lose future generations of turtles. That’s why the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with partners to support turtle conservation in the United States and around the world, including through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Report wildlife crime

You can help! If you suspect someone is illegally collecting or selling wild turtles, contact your state wildlife agency or contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by phone at (1–844-FWS-TIPS) or online.

Use our Wildlife Crime Tips Form