Pristine Photography : Critters : Red Eared Slider Turtles

The Red-eared Terrapin (Trachemys scripta elegans), called the Red-eared Slider in the U.S., is native to the southern United States; and has become common in the United Kingdom.

It is a medium-sized aquatic animal, ranging in size from 2 cm (0.8 in) when born to 28 cm (11 in) as an adult, and is recognised by a red stripe down each side of the head. They are almost totally aquatic, but leave the water to bask on hot sunny days almost constantly, whence the name, as they slide frantically off the logs when approached. And they hibernate over the winter at the bottom of ponds or shallow lakes where they enter a state of torpor. Red-eared sliders are omnivores, feeding on vegetation, insects and small fish. They eat more fish and insects when young, switching to more plants as they age. They are very widespread in the US, especially the south and midwest. They are becoming common as feral pets in the UK, being more active during hot weather. They will tolerate other small animals in their habitat, but will quickly dive underwater when approached by potential predators, making them difficult to catch.

Red-eared terrapins are not native to the British Isles; but have become common in most areas due to widespread release of imported pets by the public. Turtles in captivity live to over 40 years old. Like most turtles, they have a strong bite, which may resulting in injuries that should be seen by medical staff as soon as possible; and like all pets they may carry some diseases, such as the Salmonella bacteria which may occur in newly captured reptile pets. They are not thought to be breeding in the UK, as the mean summer temperature is too low; however, there is some possibility they might on an especially warm summer. Note: Recent news (2001) from a reptile specialist in the South (near Southampton) is that red-eared slider nests and eggs were found last year, but no hatchlings were found.

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