Common questions: Are red-eared sliders native to Florida? Are red-eared slider turtles native to Florida?
Red-eared sliders are a non-native turtle to Florida. They are a very popular in the pet trade and are listed as a conditional species in Florida. “Conditional species may be imported and possessed by permitted entities for research, commercial import/export business or public educational exhibition. They may not be acquired or kept as personal pets, with the exception of red-eared sliders.” Learn more about conditional species here: Nonnative Species Permit Applications and Information | FWC (myfwc.com)
- Life span: up to 40 years or up to 20 years in the wild
- Habitats: Freshwater lakes, rivers, and stream
- Scientific Name: Trachemys scripta elegans
Sources: Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) | FWC (myfwc.com) – Freshwater Turtles | FWC (myfwc.com) – Nonnative Species Permit Applications and Information | FWC (myfwc.com)
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