Reptile
Pond Slider
Trachemys scriptaAlso known as Common Slider
Pond Sliders are medium-sized freshwater turtles with yellow-striped heads and patterned shells that darken with age. They bask in groups on logs and plunge quickly into the water when approached.
freshwater turtlebaskingpond
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyAquatic insects, snails, tadpoles
Predators
- raccoons
- large fish
- herons
ThreatsWetland loss, road mortality, fishing gear, collection, and release outside native range
HabitatsPonds, marshes, reservoirs, slow rivers, and canals with basking structures
Life spanCommonly twenty to thirty years and sometimes longer
Classification
- FamilyEmydidae
- GenusTrachemys
- SpeciesTrachemys scripta
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskModerate
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is moderate
- Wild sliders can bite and may carry Salmonella on their skin and shell.
- Why it is dangerous
- A frightened slider can bite, and turtle surfaces may carry Salmonella without visible signs.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for yellow head stripes and a patterned oval shell; markings vary among subspecies.
- What to do
- Avoid handling or feeding; after unavoidable contact, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Responsible observation
- Watch: Use binoculars so basking turtles remain on their logs.
- Protect: Never release a captive slider into a pond or natural waterway.
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