Fauna
Reptile

Red-eared Slider

Trachemys scripta elegans

Also known as Red-eared Terrapin, Slider Turtle

Red-eared sliders spend sunny hours stacked along floating logs, diving into quiet waters at the slightest alarm. Recognized by the vivid crimson stripe behind each eye, these adaptable freshwater turtles shift from a carnivorous juvenile diet to eating mostly aquatic plants as adults. Their popularity in the global pet trade has made them one of the world's most widespread and ecologically disruptive invasive reptiles.

AquaticReptileInvasive
Red-eared Slider reference1 / 7
(c) Laurent Lebois ©, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAquatic Vegetation, Insects, Small Fish
Predators
  • Raccoons
  • Herons
  • Alligators
ThreatsHabitat degradation and vehicular mortality in native range
HabitatsPonds, calm rivers, lakes, and urban retention basins
Life span20–30 years in the wild
Classification
  1. FamilyEmydidae
  2. GenusTrachemys
  3. SpeciesTrachemys scripta elegans
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskModerate
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is moderate
Can carry Salmonella and bite defensively when handled; observe from a respectful distance.
Why it is dangerous
Shed Salmonella bacteria through skin and droppings while strong jaws can deliver a painful bite if pinched.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Distinctive red to dark orange patch positioned directly behind each eye on the head.
What to do
Refrain from handling wild turtles and wash hands thoroughly with soap if contact occurs.
Responsible observation
  • Basking Spots: Scan fallen logs and muddy banks along sunny pond edges where individuals cluster to warm themselves.
  • Safe Distance: Approach water margins slowly and quietly, as startled turtles dive off logs in seconds.
  • Responsible Care: Never release captive turtles into local waterways to protect native pond life.
Related species
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