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Where are Wild Red Eared Sliders REALLY Native To?
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Posted by birdsarecool (My Page) on Tue, Sep 30, 08 at 9:23
| Hi I was just wondering what states Red Eared Slider Turtles are native to. I am aware that a lot of people release this species into their local ponds, lakes, etc., without even knowing or caring if they are causing any harm to their environment. I am a big fan of all animals, and I would never release a captive animal in the first place, but my sister is moving and doesn't want to take her pet Slider with her. I have been trying to tell her that I don't think they are native to where she lives (Massachusetts). I need some backup support to prove to her that they aren't allowed to be released here and it might even be illegal. Thanks everyone... |
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RE: Where are Wild Red Eared Sliders REALLY Native To?
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| Get a current Peterson field guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of the Eastern United States - it shows the natural range of Trachemys scripta elegans. While Trachemys scripta has a huge range, there are several "subspecies" in the United States. Releasing your slider into the range of one of the other subspecies can and has polluted the natural genetics of the area. In general, the redear slider (T. s. elegans) was the subspecies of Trachemys scripta that ranged farther north than the others, being replaced by the yellowbelly slider (T. s. scripta) farther south. In any event - get a field guide to show her the natural range of the redear slider. The other thing - the deliberate release of pets into the wild is (as far as I know) prohibited/illegal in virtually every state that I know of. Releasing a pet into the wild is not only unethical and irresponsible - its illegal in every state so far as I am aware. ~Mike |
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