We were looking down at the water outside our flat and saw this character: Can any of you identify it? I was thinking that it may be a painted turtle (Chrysemys picta), but I cannot be sure. Its head, neck and underside were not visible...as you can see. It is foreign, but I just cannot identify it. We do know here that folks buy their children a turtle to keep, but once it gets to a certain size, they simply release them in lakes, streams and so forth. Any ideas?
If it has been released, it is very possible that it is a Red-eared Slider. They are the ones that are normally sold as pets. Just looking at its form and posture, I would guess that it is a Red-eared Slider turtle.
Thanks Mr Woods. Sounds like you could be right...one thing for sure -- This country has no turtles existing naturally. What one does encounter are turtles that have been released.
We get the odd one here too Sjoerd and I always attempt to capture them and take them to a reptile rescue. We had three at one time and looked after them for months before the rescue place had space for them. I do wish people wouldn't buy these types of creatures as pets unless they know all about their care and are prepared to keep them properly. Red eared terrapins can grow to dinner plate sizes and, as Licenter said they are invasive..
Thanks LI, EILEEN and DEEPWOODS--I alerted the animal shelter folks as well as the council, but no one was interested...so I guess that it will live on in luxury until we get some colder winters. Thanks to you all for your opinions and info.
Yikes SJ! I can't believe NO ONE was concerned about that horrible invasive turtle. Here is a great link that tells you about them and how invasive they are. SJ- if I was you I would try and catch the little bugger and get rid of it. They have been band in many UK countries and in Australia it is illegal to sell or posses them as they are so invasive. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red-eared_slider
Yeah 2T--I was surprised as well. I do not know how I would catch this denizen --the water feature out there is just too big. I reaalize that letting things loose in nature is illegal, but anti-socials do it anyway. What does one do.
SJ that is too bad. I know what you mean about people doing it anyway. Maybe we could trap them instead.
