The bog turtle was given federal protection in November 1997 when the species was listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (USFWS 1997).  The species has been listed as endangered by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) since 1974.  The southern allopatric population of G. muhlenbergii is currently considered secure but is listed as Federally threatened because of similarity of appearance to the northern population.