Red-Eared Slider

(Trachemys scripta elegans)

There are multiple red-eared sliders at Seneca Park Zoo and they can be found in the pond along the Genesee Trail (seasonally).

Females can grow to be much larger than males.

The red-eared slider gets its name from the red stripe that can be seen from behind the eyes and extending all the way to the neck.

These turtles are common pets throughout the world.

Red-eared sliders are mainly aquatic, but leave the water to bask in the sun and to lay eggs.

Omnivore. Adults feed on plant and animal matter. They like to eat snails, tadpoles and fish, as well as duckweed and water lilies.

Status in The Wild

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List status

Humans are the greatest enemy of red-eared sliders. Each year, turtles are harmed; mainly from habitat destruction and pollution.