Red-eared Slider at the Zoo:

Description

What do they eat?

Algae, aquatic plants, snails, larvae, insects, crustaceans and small vertebrates.

How long do they live?

Average 30 years.

How many are born at a time?

30

Where can they be found?

Southeastern United States is their native home-range although they are listed in the 100 most invasive species list and have been introduced to Canada, Australia, Europe, Great Britain, South Africa, the Caribbean Islands, Israel, Bahrain, the Mariana Islands, Guam, and Southeast and far-East Asia. They inhabit areas with a source of still, warm water, such as ponds, lakes, swamps, creeks, streams, or slow-flowing rivers.

Interesting facts

Males have longer claws on their front feet than females, a longer and thicker tail and a more prominent nose. They are carriers of Salmonella, spreading the bacteria without being affected themselves.