Red-Eared Turtle

Native to the Southern United States

This species of turtle, often incorrectly referred to as the Florida turtle, is found throughout the southern United States, excluding Florida.

Until recently, it was heavily imported to Europe, and some survived after being released into lakes and rivers, later being recovered by zoos. This phenomenon has caused ecological problems, as these turtles can become invasive and disrupt local ecosystems.

Red-eared sliders are recognizable by the distinctive reddish mark on the sides of their heads, which gives them their name. They are omnivorous and have a varied diet that includes insects, fish, crustaceans, and plants.

In terms of behavior, they are known for being very active and enjoy basking in the sun as a way to regulate their body temperature.

Interestingly, although they are primarily aquatic, they can travel long distances on land, particularly when searching for a nesting site.

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