- SCIENTIFIC NAME
- Trachemys scripta elegans
- CLASSIFICATION
- Reptile
- LIFE SPAN
- 20-30 Years
- STATE CONSERVATION STATUS
-
- Unprotected
- FEDERAL CONSERVATION STATUS
- Least Concern
- GAME STATUS
- Non-Game
- GAME TYPE
- None
- Washoe
- Humboldt
- Pershing
- Churchill
- Mineral
- Lyon
- Douglas
- Carson City
- Storey
- Elko
- Lander
- Eureka
- White Pine
- Esmeralda
- Nye
- Lincoln
- Clark
Habitat & Range
Red-eared Sliders are native to parts of the Midwest United States but are now common in Nevada, where they were introduced through the pet trade. They are often seen in urban ponds, parks, and golf course water features, where they bask on rocks, logs, or the edges of ponds.
- Lakes and reservoirs
- Marsh
- Rivers and streams
As juveniles, Red-eared Sliders are mostly carnivorous, eating insects, small fish, and even other reptiles. As they grow older, they begin eating more plants along with a variety of invertebrates.
After spring courtship and breeding, females come onto land to dig a nest and lay their eggs. Each clutch can have between 5 and 25 eggs, and females may lay more than one clutch per season. The tiny hatchlings receive no parental care and are completely independent from the start.
Because of their high reproductive rates and ability to thrive in many different habitats, Red-eared Sliders can outcompete native species, including the Western Pond Turtle, by taking over basking sites and food resources. They are popular in the pet trade, but as they grow, they often become difficult to care for. Never release pet turtles into Nevada’s waterways, not only is it illegal, but it also harms our native wildlife.
Learn more about how releasing pets into the wild is harmful here.
Fun Facts
OTHER Species
