The Red-eared Slider is a medium-sized freshwater turtle easily recognized by the distinctive red or orange stripe behind each eye. Its carapace (upper shell) is typically olive to dark brown with yellowish markings, while the plastron (underside) is yellow with dark spots. Adults can reach a shell length of 20–30 cm. Native to the southern United States and northern Mexico, this subspecies has become one of the most widespread turtles globally due to the pet trade and release into the wild, where it often becomes invasive.
Aggressive or Danger to Human? The Red-eared Slider is not dangerous to humans. It may bite if provoked or handled roughly, but such bites are minor. Caution is advised when handling due to the risk of Salmonella bacteria transmission, which can cause illness if proper hygiene is not observed.
Population Status: Least Concern (LC) globally (Source: IUCN Red List).
Habitat and Habits: Red-eared Sliders inhabit a wide range of freshwater environments, including ponds, lakes, rivers, and marshes with abundant vegetation and basking sites. They are diurnal, spending much of the day basking in the sun on logs or rocks and retreating to water when disturbed. Omnivorous by nature, their diet includes aquatic plants, insects, small fish, and carrion. They are highly adaptable and can tolerate varied environmental conditions, contributing to their success as an invasive species in many parts of the world.