I too would be interested in how you acquired this turtle. They are completely legal to own and sell in other states. It is California that bans keeping, hatching, selling of native species, and this is our only true native water turtle. I have seen them for sale as hatchlings occasionally online for a pretty nice sum as they are quite rare it seems in the turtle community outside of California. So one in a collection outside of California is definitely worth taking great care of!So, how did this “Western Pond Turtle” wind up in New York? Enquiring minds want to know!