Red-Eared Sliders: Why You Should Never Release Them
Red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) are the most frequently released pet turtle in the United States — and quite possibly the world. What starts as an impulse purchase of a cute, small “Ninja Turtle” often ends with the animal being dumped into a local pond, lake, or river when it grows too big or the owner loses interest. This seemingly “kind” act is actually one of the most harmful things anyone can do.
At Expedition Reptile, we travel across New England educating the public about reptiles. We frequently get calls from people wanting to surrender their red-eared sliders. While we do accept certain rescues for our educational shows, we cannot take in red-eared sliders due to the overwhelming volume of surrenders, , and regulatory restrictions.
Here’s why responsible rehoming matters so much.
Why Red-Eared Sliders Are So Commonly Released
- They are one of the most popular and widely traded pet turtles globally because they’re inexpensive, colorful, and relatively easy to breed in captivity.
- Baby sliders are tiny and adorable, but they grow quickly — reaching 8–12 inches or more — and can live 20 to 50+ years.
- Many owners buy them without understanding the long-term commitment: large aquatic setups, strong filtration systems, proper UVB lighting, and more.
When they outgrow their tank or life gets busy, the turtle is often forgotten and ultimately released “into the wild” with good intentions.
Why Releasing Them Is Horrible for the Environment
Red-eared sliders are listed among the world’s 100 most invasive species. Here’s the damage they cause in New England and beyond:
- Outcompete Native Turtles — They are larger, more aggressive, and more efficient at securing food, basking spots (critical for thermoregulation), and nesting sites. In areas like the Northeast, they directly threaten species such as the Eastern Painted Turtle.
- Spread Disease and Parasites — Pet turtles often carry pathogens (including Salmonella, respiratory infections, ranavirus, and parasites) to which native turtles have little or no immunity. A single released slider can introduce illness into entire wild populations.
- Disrupt Local Ecosystems — They eat a wide variety of food sources and reproduce prolifically, altering the balance of ponds and waterways.
- Poor Survival for the Turtle — Many released sliders do not survive New England’s cold winters.
Releasing pets is also illegal in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and most other states. It harms native wildlife and can result in fines.
A Better Way: Responsible Rehoming Options in New England
If you can no longer care for your red-eared slider, please choose a responsible path. Never release it.
We do not accept surrendered Red-Eared Sliders at Expedition Reptile LLC. As an educational company, our focus is on outreach and select ambassador animals. The high volume and special considerations for sliders make it impossible for us to take them all in.
Best Steps to Take:
- Contact Turtle Rescue League (Southbridge, MA) first One of the most experienced turtle organizations in the region. They provide guidance on legal requirements and help with placement. → turtlerescueleague.org → See their page: “I Can No Longer Care For My Pet Turtle”
- Private Rehoming (Often the most successful) Post in New England reptile Facebook groups, Craigslist, Nextdoor, or turtleforum.com. Screen adopters carefully: They should have experience with large aquatic turtles, proper large tanks or ponds, filtration, UVB, and a real understanding of the 20–50+ year commitment. Including the tank and supplies can help.
- Other Resources
- New England Herpetological Society (NEHS)
- Connecticut: Northeast Reptile Rescue or similar local groups (many rescues are often at capacity for sliders)
- Search Petfinder or Adopt-a-Pet
- Last Resort Humane euthanasia by an exotic veterinarian is far kinder than abandonment or release.
Responsible Reptile Ownership
Turtles are among the most abandoned pets in the country precisely because of species like the red-eared slider. Buying a pet should never be an impulse decision. Do your research before bringing it home.
At Expedition Reptile LLC, our mission is to help people fall in love with reptiles the right way — through education and hands on interaction. We encourage everyone to support rescues, adopt responsibly, and never release pets into the wild… EVER!
Red-eared sliders are restricted in MA and CT. For legal questions, reach out to Turtle Rescue League or your state wildlife agency (MassWildlife or CT DEEP).
Love turtles? Protect them by doing the right thing.
— The Expedition Reptile LLC Team
