Where in the United States do Turtles, particularly Red Eared Slider turtles exist?

Question

My Friend Sarah found a Red Eared Slider near the Truckee River this summer east of Reno/Sparks Nevada. I didnt know of any turtle species to inhabit Northern Nevada.

Answer 1

Red Eared sliders are very vositile. they can live anywhere that does not have very cold winters. They do not originate from Nevada, but in a river or creek that stays wet year around, they can survive there. They first place in the united states that they appeared were in the southern states, Luisiana, giorgia, texas and such. But they have migrated north, to oklahoma, tennessee, etc. They can be found in pretty much any state now.

Most likely there have been some released there, and they thrived, bred and continue to live there.

If she found it, i say re-release it. If it was born and bred in the wild, there is no sence in trying to domesticate it.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

The natural range is from Texas (and a couple of rivers in NM) to Illinois and south and east to Alabama. There is a well-established colony in Maryland. Thanks to brain-dead people releasing their pets, they have also established colonies in PA and NJ. Probably other states as well. I think I saw one in NY once. For pity's sake, don't let Sarah release it. Turtles have enough trouble surviving in the wild without introduction of invasive species like the RES.

Thank you for giving a fairly precise location. I wish everyone did that when posting questions about wild-caught animals.

Answer 3

Red sliders are native to southern america, but are pretty hardy and can live in cold water and warm water. Or it could be somebodys old pet which ran away or was realesed because they were unable to look after it any more. E.G I was given a Red eared slider which was found in a person back yard happily walking along, and i live in Auckland, New Zealand.

Answer 4

The Red Eared Slider is native to the area of the Mississippi River down to the Gulf of Mexico.  It likes warm climates and can be found in most warm places in the United States.

Answer 5

you know last night i took my pup for a walk to our pond here in Calif..I counted 35sliders all sizes.people dump these little guys in these greased out ponds its gross. So if Petco sells these and people find out how much care and $$ to take care they just toss them aside in the nearest pond,river or lake not caring that they don't belong back in the wild especially if breed in captivity. I have 2 sliders that are 36 yrs old. I never imagined they would be older than my kids.They have never been sick, I was blessed.

People generaly get a pet without researching..we all did. I didn't  research 36 yrs ago cause after having them and learning as time went on they are to last generally till 25 yrs old..I guess mine never heard that  : )

if you need any help just email,good luck.

Answer 6

they are very hardy creatures, we have them here in ny, they ar not native, and thanks to the idiots who release they're pets they are competing with native painted turtles for resources.  basically, if theres sun and not freezing cold winters they can probably survive as invasive species.