Biological survey records from the 1860s note that Northwestern Pond Turtles were once common in almost every lake and pond in southern British Columbia. Some biologists feel that this species never naturally existed in the province and may have been misidentified in these surveys. Others believe that the report accurately describes Northwestern Pond Turtles, suggesting something has caused the turtles to disappear. In many places in North America, Pond Turtles were common in marketplaces, fetching $3-5 per dozen, leading to overexploitation. Since that time, the species has declined drastically throughout its range. The remaining populations are threatened by continued loss of wetland habitats, disease, and predation of hatchlings by introduced predators like Bullfrogs. It is very likely that over-harvest and urban development in the Lower Mainland has led to the disappearance of this species in British Columbia. In parts of the United States, Northwestern Pond Turtles are being captive bred for release into the wild to supplement populations. If this strategy proves successful it may be a promising method for reintroduction to British Columbia. Researchers feel that urban aquatic environments may be suitable habitat for reintroduced Northwestern Pond Turtles if managed properly.