Commercial Snapping and Painted Turtles Harvesting Prohibited in Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has prohibited the western painted turtles and snapping turtles harvesting in state, the agency said in a news release. The rule went into effect January 1, 2024 after a law was passed in 2023. The rule does not prohibit the captive breeding of these turtles for commercial purposes. An aquaculture license with a turtle endorsement is required for these activities.

The state government passed the law due to the threats facing these reptiles, including habitat loss and fragmentation, pollution and overharvesting.