Red-eared Slider

Red Eared Sliders are a popular pet turtle species, widely introduced across North America for their initial small size and bright colouring. Unfortunately many pet owners release these turtles into natural ecosystems, where they can out-compete native turtles and introduce diseases such as Salmonella bacteria. With a bright red mark behind the ear, these aptly names turtles can be distinguished from native species like the Eastern Painted turtle, which don’t have a bright red mark behind the ear.

Don’t Let it Loose! See our program page for more information on proper management of unwanted pets.