Red-eared Slider
(Trachemys scripta elegans)
Photo Courtesy of World
Chelonia Trust
Red-Eared Sliders are from the southeastern United States and like the yellowbelly slider, are not originally native to New York State but due to irresponsible pet owners releasing unwanted pet turtles into the wild there are local populations all over New York State. When these turtles are released to the wild they will often occupy the environment that would be occupied by a native turtle. Introduced species always cause problems for native wildlife and should be avoided at all costs. It is because or released species that many native species become endangered or even extinct. If you have an unwanted slider please find a home for it. If that is not possible we offer an Adoption service or you may surrender the animal to the Erie County SPCA or your local SPCA or Humane Society.
The Red-Eared Slider gets its name from the red strip that can be seen from behind the eyes and extending all the way to the neck. The turtle is greenish in color with yellowish stripes. The carapace usually has yellow and black stripes as well. The plastron is generally yellow with a dark blotch on each scute. Males can be identified by their longer claws on the front feet and smaller size when compared to females.
Red-eared sliders can often be found basking on logs or stumps in or near water. They can often be seen stacked on top of each other while basking. When threatened read-eared sliders will dive or "slide" back into the water quickly to avoid predators. They will usually sleep at night underwater resting on the bottom. They will sometimes be floating on the surface. Red-eared sliders will inflate their throat to aid in flotation. They are able to survive the winters of New York by hibernating underwater.
Click here for a Red-Eared Slider Care Sheet and Information.