This month we will learn about the Western pond turtle — also called the "Pacific Pond Turtle" — the only freshwater turtle native to California. This elusive turtle lives among slow moving creeks and streams situated along the western fringe of the Pacific coastline. You will learn how this chelonian is more closely related to the tortoise than you might think. This might account why this turtle has continued to survive while the other native Californian turtle, the Sonoran mud turtle, is now extinct. We'll cover their range, habitat, diet, and what is being done to protect them. We will also learn why very few people have one in captivity.