SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/reptile-released-sliders-hurt-natives

In California, released pet red-eared sliders compete with which native animal?

Western pond turtles.

Start playing free

  1. Western pond turtles ✔
  2. Sea turtles
  3. Bald eagles

Why: California wildlife officials say released red-eared sliders compete with native western pond turtles for food, egg-laying spots, and basking sites. They can also spread parasites and Salmonella.

Huh, didn't know that: Florida says red-eared sliders are the most rehomed pet in its Exotic Pet Amnesty Program, and the hardest to place.

The dad joke
Why do turtles love sunny days? They finally get some shell-f care.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Western pond turtles. California wildlife officials say released red-eared sliders compete with native western pond turtles for food, egg-laying spots, and basking sites. They can also spread parasites and Salmonella.

  1. California's Invaders: Red-Eared Slider (California Department of Fish and Wildlife) wildlife.ca.gov/conservation/invasives/species/redeared-slider
    compete with native western pond turtles for food, egg-laying sites, and basking sites
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. Exotic Pet Amnesty Program (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/amnesty-program
    Red-eared sliders are the most rehomed pet in the program and the most difficult to place.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  3. California's Invaders: Red-Eared Slider (California Department of Fish and Wildlife) wildlife.ca.gov/conservation/invasives/species/redeared-slider
    give it to a friend or contact your local shelter or reptile rescue organization
    Checked 2026-10-11.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

ReptilesHow long can a pet red-eared slider live in captivity, per California wildlife officials?ReptilesAbout how big does an adult red-eared slider get?ReptilesIs it OK to release a pet reptile outdoors if its species is native to your area?

That's stuff everyone should know.