The southern population of the bog turtle is one of the rarest and most threatened turtle populations in the U.S. Though once present in parts of Kentucky, these turtles have nearly vanished due to habitat loss, illegal collection, and poor enforcement.

The Trump administration is now proposing to remove look-alike protections for turtles under the Endangered Species Act—including the bog turtle and its close relatives. These protections are essential, as they allow law enforcement and conservationists to prevent accidental or intentional collection of endangered turtles.

Without them, turtles that look nearly identical to protected species can be traded, trafficked, or harmed without consequence—making recovery nearly impossible.

We demand that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Governor Andy Beshear, and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources oppose this rollback and instead take immediate action to protect bog turtle habitat and enforce safeguards that prevent poaching and loss.

Kentucky still has a chance to be part of this species' comeback—but not if we strip away the protections it needs to survive.