The red eared turtle has survived being eaten by many of us, having its eggs used as bait, being decimated by automobiles, and exploited in the pet trade. Like all reptiles and amphibians, populations are declining due to the all too common reasons of habitat destruction and pollution. These are hardy creatures who basically need to be left alone in suitable habitat to prosper. We can all help turtles by working to maintain enough wetland areas for them and reducing the pollution that threatens them.