Turtles

The Sanctuary is home to several Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) Turtles, also known as a Pond Slider Turtles (Trachemys scripta).

Their heads, neck and legs are greeinish with yellow stripes, while their botton shell (the plastrom) is yellow with a rounded blotch in each scute (large separate scales).

Pond Sliders are natvie to the southern Great Lakes region east to West Vriginia, and west to Indiana and Illinois, They are also native in the south throughout most of the southeastern and south-cental United States. They are now considered one of the world's most invasive species because people released their pets into the wild. (The Humane Society)

In their natual habitat, pond tutles feast mainly on plants and small animals such as crickets, fish, crayfish, snails, tadpoles, worms, aqauatic insects and aquatic plants. Without teeth, turtles use the horny ridges and sharp grooves in their mouths to cut through and consume prey. They stick together and enjoy laying in the sun in groups communicating via touch and vibrations.

Pond Turtles do not hiberate, but do become inactive when the temperature falls below 50 degrees. In the colder weather they congragate at the bottom of ponds or small lakes 

The red-eared turtles here at the sanctuary are quite friendly and are always excited during feeding time.

For a detailed information about the red-eared (pond) slider trutle, please see the educational and informative write up by their enclosure.