All of Pennsylvania's amphibians and reptiles are protected under Fish and Boat Commission regulations. You are allowed to capture and keep up to two wood turtles. However, no species of Pennsylvania reptiles or amphibians may be taken from the wild for sale, trade, or barter - except for common snapping turtles. It is also unlawful to disturb the nest or possess the eggs of a reptile taken from Pennsylvania.
Turtles are very difficult animals to keep successfully as pets.
In the wild they are susceptible to diseases and parasites but typically receive the appropriate diet and environmental conditions which helps them maintain their health. In captivity, it is difficult to duplicate the appropriate conditions and turtles usually don't remain healthy or live long. Therefore, we encourage you to admire and respect turtles in their wild state rather than further contributing to the depletion of wild populations. If you still decide to obtain a turtle, though, there are a few other things you should know. Should you buy a turtle, insist on a receipt or other documentation as to the animal's origin.