Red-eared Sliders

	Red-eared sliders

The pet turtle everyone is familiar with. These animals were imported and sold by the thousands, and were often sold with incorrect care suggestions.

It is a myth that turtles will stay small if they are kept in a small enclosure. Red-eared sliders, as many people have discovered, can have a shell reaching 30 cm or more in length. They require a large cage, with an exceptional filtration system, frequent water changes, a good basking spot, and lots of food. Like all turtles, red-eared sliders can carry Salmonella bacteria, so hand-washing is a must after touching them!

This often becomes more than a misguided pet purchaser bargained for, and these turtles have been "released" all over the world. This can cause havoc with natural ecosystems when this tough and unwanted intruder is introduced.

Populations of red-eared sliders have been established throughout the U.S., as well as Japan, France and Australia, to list a few. If you have an unwanted slider, please do not release it!