Red-eared Slider (Chrysemys scripta elegans)
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As long as they are not unduly disturbed, red-eared sliders can often be seen in the Garden ponds, sunning themselves on the rocks or floating near the surface of the water. There is usually at least one large female, and juveniles have also been sighted. The red-eared slider is a subspecies of the pond slider, and was originally found only west of the Mississippi River. Because the green baby turtles have been extremely popular as pets, and hence frequently released into nearby ponds and rivers when unwanted, they have expanded their range to include areas in the eastern part of the country as well. The young turtles gradually lose their green shell color, but still retain attractive markings on their shell and skin into adulthood.
class: Reptilia / order: Chelonia / family: Emydidae / genus: Chrysemys / species: scripta / subspecies: elegans
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