Even though they are illegal in Alberta, map turtles are popular pets in other provinces because of their small size, according to David Law, who runs the Alberta Turtle and Tortoise Society.

"They are huge in Ontario and huge in the pet trade, too," Law said. "They don't get as big as other turtles."

Females are only about 20 centimetres long, while males are even smaller, about 10 centimetres, he said.