Ferrets and Friends, LLC
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • Our Staff
    • Our Partnerships
    • Join Our Team
  • Our Animal Friends
    • Our Mammals
    • Our Parrots
    • Our Lizards & Chameleons
    • Our Snakes
    • Our Tortoises and Amphibians
  • Our Services
    • Live Programs
    • Virtual Programs
    • Pet Therapy
  • FAQ
  • Contact Us
  • Blog

Fuzzy Thoughts

Red Eared Sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans)

4/23/2018

0 Comments

 
The Red eared slider is ​a freshwater turtle that is native to the Mississippi River Basin in North America. The red stripe behind the eye of this turtle is where it gets its name, as well as the way that it slides off of rocks to evade predators. The rest of the body is dark in color with bright yellow stripes; the carapace, or shell of the turtle, is a green-brown color which usually has a faint map-like pattern - which often fades and darkens with age. Male turtles are smaller than females, and also have long claws on their front legs. 
Picture
Two adult Red-eared sliders basking on a log. (Image from: http://naturemappingfoundation.org/natmap/photos/reptiles/red-eared_slider_298np.jpg)
This turtle makes its home in many ponds, lakes, marshes, in slow moving rivers, and canals. This broad selection of habitat is one of the reasons that the red-eared slider is such a successful invasive species in much of its introduced range. These turtles feed on plants and small animals. Fish, crickets, crayfish, snails, tadpoles, worms, aquatic insects, and aquatic vegetation are all on the menu for these generalist predators. This turtle is very common in the pet trade which is how it became introduced in the first place! Irresponsible pet owners, pet stores, as well as some accidental escapees has caused this turtle to be considered one of the world's top 100 most invasive species (The Humane Society).
Picture
This turtle, being so common in the pet trade, usually begins living in homes at rather small sizes ranging from 2 inches in shell diameter to 4 inches in shell diameter. As small turtles they are easy and cute to keep, but as they grow they require larger housing which is when problems keeping them as pets arise. Red-eared sliders can grow to be 12 inches in length, and require a 50 gallon tank (or bigger!). This often is too much to ask of some pet owners, and the turtles end up dropped in a pond down the street. 
​
The map above shows the native range of the red-eared slider, and three levels of introduction. HUC 8 Level Record is the only one I will touch on for this post, and it indicates established populations of introduced turtles. The Red-eared slider is present on both the east and west coast of the United States, as well as throughout rivers and tributaries in central and northern regions of the United States. Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, as well as Guam also are experiencing invasion by this freshwater turtle.

Once introduced these turtles are able to impact the native ecosystem and wildlife, however not much is known about the specific impacts they have. What is known, is that they compete with native turtles for basking sites, which are crucial for development of the carapace, eggs, and digestion of food; threaten imperiled species of turtles by competing for food resources; are a source for the spread of samonellosis, and spread diseases and parasites to native wildlife.
Picture
Close up of a red-eared sliders red stripe (Image from: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/turtles-aquatic-problems)


When it comes to pet ownership it is always best to do your research and learn about the animal you want to purchase at all stages of life. To own a pet you must commit to giving it the best life, and if you cannot afford or are otherwise incapable of providing that kind of life for your pet it is best to not purchase it. Animals released into the environment can cause all kinds of problems, and so if it ever comes to the point where you can no longer care for your pet there are always other options than releasing it. Local shelters, neighbors, class rooms, and rescue organizations may be willing to take on your animal and give it a happy captive life.

To learn more about red-eared sliders please see the links below:

USGS Red Eared Sliders

Bermuda and Red Eared Sliders

​Nature Mapping Red Eared Sliders

VCA Aquatic Problems
Picture
About the Author: Jenna is a graduate student at the University of Florida. Currently she is studying Wildlife Ecology and Conservation while working in south Florida to manage invasive animals. Jenna primarily works with the Argentine Black and White Tegu and other invasive lizards.
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    About the blog

    Ferrets and Friends, LLC has four writers bringing you information on a variety of topics from pets to wildlife, education to conservation, and from new developments in our business to information about our industry. Learn something new each week!

    Archives

    December 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    May 2020
    December 2019
    August 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017

    Categories

    All
    Author: Alex Rose
    Author: Jenna Cole
    Author: Sarah
    Care Sheet: Amphibian
    Care Sheet: Invertebrate
    Care Sheet: Mammal
    Care Sheet: Reptile
    Do They Make Good Pets?
    Ecology And Conservation
    Education
    Ferrets And Friends LLC
    Health And Wellness
    Pet Parent Advice
    Training & Behavior

    RSS Feed

Services

Educational Shows
Animal Meet and Greet
​Store

Company

About
Our Friends

Support

Contact
FAQ
Terms of Use
© COPYRIGHT 2015. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • Our Staff
    • Our Partnerships
    • Join Our Team
  • Our Animal Friends
    • Our Mammals
    • Our Parrots
    • Our Lizards & Chameleons
    • Our Snakes
    • Our Tortoises and Amphibians
  • Our Services
    • Live Programs
    • Virtual Programs
    • Pet Therapy
  • FAQ
  • Contact Us
  • Blog