Recently, two red-eared sliders were surrendered to the Sault Ste. Marie Humane Society. Red-eared sliders are popular aquatic pets, but when owners can no longer care for them, they are often released into local water bodies. This practice stems from the misconception that releasing unwanted pets into the wild is a viable solution. As a result, the red-eared slider has become an invasive species in Canada and many other countries.
What is a Red-eared Slider?
Red-eared sliders are a type of turtle from the Mississippi River in the United States. They have a red patch on each side of their head, olive to brown shells and skin, and green stripes on their neck, legs, and tail. The bottom of their shell is pale yellow with dark blotches. Juveniles are small but can grow to 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in). They have an average lifespan of 25 years but can live up to 40 years.
Red-eared sliders are popular as pets for the same reasons that make then good invaders. They thrive in various environments, are low maintenance, and have a long lifespan. Unfortunately, many pet owners are unaware of how large red-eared sliders can grow and the decades-long commitment required to care for them. This often leads to owners being unprepared for the responsibilities of caring for an adult turtle and, in many cases, this results in their release into the wild.
What Happens When You Release Red-Eared Sliders into Natural Environments?
Releasing red-eared sliders into natural areas can have devastating impacts on native turtles, other aquatic life, and local ecosystems. Red-eared sliders are highly adaptive, lay many eggs, and can outcompete native species for food, nesting sites, and basking space. Basking space, such as logs and rocks, is crucial to the health of turtles. They can transmit diseases such as salmonella, respiratory infections, and ranavirus, which can impact human health if the turtles are handled. Seven out of ten native turtle species are already considered at risk by the Canadian government and the release of red-eared sliders only exacerbates the problem.
In addition to the potential harm that releasing red-eared sliders can cause, it is also illegal to release them into the wild in Canada and other countries. According to Canadian aquatic invasive species regulations under the Fisheries Act, it is prohibited to introduce any aquatic species into a region or body of water where it is not native. Violating these regulations can lead to severe ecological consequences and legal penalties. Public awareness and responsible pet ownership are crucial in preventing the spread of invasive species.
Don’t Let it Loose!
Pet owners need to avoid letting their pets loose to prevent red-eared sliders and other domestic pets from becoming invasive species. Instead, consider these alternatives:
- Contacting the retailer for advice about how and where to surrender a pet
- Contacting another aquarium, pet, or pond owner to inquire whether they are interested in adopting the pet
- Donating the pet to a local aquarium society or school if they are interested and able to properly care for the animal
- Contacting an organization such as the Humane Society for information about how and where to surrender a pet
- If all other options have been exhausted, contacting a veterinarian for a safe and humane euthanasia
In addition, it is important to research a species prior to purchasing it as a pet to determine whether it is legal to own it in Canada, and being aware of factors such as its lifespan, adult size, care requirements, and associated costs.
How the Humane Society is Helping
The Sault Ste. Marie Humane Society is dedicated to finding homes for as many animals as possible. As the largest animal shelter in northern Ontario, they serve an extensive area. Currently, they are working on finding suitable homes for the two red-eared sliders that were surrendered to them.
The Humane Society does its best with the animals that arrive at their facility, striving to find appropriate homes for each one. After researching the turtles, they learned that red-eared sliders should never be released into the wild. They are now focused on finding suitable homes for these turtles and ensuring that potential owners can provide adequate care and understand the specialized needs of red-eared sliders.
How You Can Help
Everyone can help prevent pets from being released into the wild. Education is crucial. Sharing information, social media posts, stories like this one, and other resources about pet care and responsible pet ownership can make a difference. Being a responsible pet owner and making informed choices are essential to preventing pets from being released into local environments. All animals, whether domestic or wild, deserve respect and a suitable habitat. Protecting local ecosystems is a collective effort that involves everyone.
Additional Resources
Home – Sault Ste. Marie Humane Society
