The red-eared slider is a popular pet turtle, but in some areas, owning one is illegal or requires a permit. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the legality issues around owning a red-eared slider in order to help readers understand if they can legally get one as a pet where they live.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: in many places red-eared sliders are banned for sale or possession. They are listed as an invasive species because they threaten native wildlife if released or escaped into the wild, and have been illegal to transport or sell across state lines or internationally.
Some states, cities, and counties have additional laws restricting or banning private ownership. So check your local laws first before getting a red-eared slider as a pet.
Background on Red-Eared Sliders
Description and Natural Habitat
The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans), is a semi-aquatic turtle native to the southern United States and northern Mexico. These turtles get their common name from the distinctive red stripes behind their eyes.
They typically measure between 5-12 inches in length as adults, with females generally growing larger than males.
In the wild, red-eared sliders inhabit calm, warm waters such as ponds, lakes, creeks, and marshes. They spend most of their time in the water, but will haul out to bask in the sun on logs or rocks. Their natural habitats provide ample food sources such as aquatic plants, small fish, tadpoles, and insects.
Popularity as Pets
Thanks to their small size, vibrant colors, and calm personalities, red-eared sliders quickly became one of the world’s most popular reptile pets after being introduced to the pet trade in the 1950s. Their appeal comes from the relative ease of caring for them compared to other turtles.
Unfortunately, many owners were unaware of how large these turtles would grow. By the 1990s, it became apparent that countless unwanted sliders were being released into local waters across the United States and abroad due to inadequate housing.
While red-eared sliders are now banned from sale in some areas, they remain common pets globally. Experts estimate that up to 4.2 million sliders per year are still exported from turtle farms across the southeastern United States to supply international demand.
Sadly, it’s likely that a large number of these turtles will end up being released.
Impacts When Released as Invasive Species
Feral red-eared slider populations now inhabit waterways on every continent except Antarctica thanks to pet releases. With few natural predators in these new habitats, introduced slider populations often explode in size.
Their omnivorous feeding behaviors allow them to outcompete many native species for food and basking resources.
One study in Spain found that introduced sliders reduced the number of Iberian terrapin hatchlings by 63% through resource competition. This has conservationists concerned that invasive red-eared sliders could contribute to the decline of multiple threatened species as they spread into new areas.
While most experts agree that releasing a pet slider is never okay, some counties have implemented “amnesty” days where pet owners can surrender unwanted turtles without penalty. Hopefully efforts to curb future introductions coupled with responsible pet ownership can mitigate this turtle’s impacts over time.
But for now, the adaptable red-eared slider reigns supreme as one of the world’s most problematic invasive reptiles.
Federal Laws Regulating Red-Eared Sliders
The Lacey Act
The Lacey Act is one of the key federal laws that regulates the importation and interstate transport of certain animal species, including red-eared sliders. Enacted in 1900, this law makes it illegal to import, export, sell, purchase or acquire fish, wildlife or plants that are taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of U.S. or Indian law.
Under the Lacey Act, transporting red-eared sliders across state lines is generally prohibited without proper permits. There are some exceptions if the turtles are being transported for educational or exhibition purposes to aquariums, zoos or museums.
However, the law aims to prevent the spread of red-eared sliders into non-native environments where they may become invasive and harm local ecosystems.
Injurious Species Listing
In 1975, under the authority of the Lacey Act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed red-eared sliders as an injurious animal species. This means they were designated as harmful and causing environmental damage if released into the wild.
By listing them as injurious, it became illegal under federal law to import red-eared sliders into the U.S. or transport them between states without a permit. This measure was taken to protect native species and habitats from the spread of the adaptable and often invasive red-eared slider.
Implications and Restrictions
The federal regulations on red-eared sliders under the Lacey Act and injurious species listing have several implications for pet turtle owners:
- It is illegal to release unwanted red-eared sliders into the wild anywhere in the U.S.
- Transporting red-eared sliders across state lines requires special permits.
- Only captive-bred red-eared sliders that originate within a state may be bought, sold or owned within that state.
- Importing red-eared sliders from another country is prohibited without a permit.
These laws aim to protect local ecosystems while allowing responsible ownership of captive red-eared sliders in permitted circumstances. However, the regulations have also led some pet owners to release unwanted sliders, furthering their spread as an invasive species in some areas.
State and Local Laws on Keeping Red-Eared Sliders as Pets
Overview of Regulations
Red-eared sliders are one of the most popular pet turtles, but they are also one of the most regulated. There is a complex web of federal, state, and local laws that restrict or prohibit keeping these turtles as pets.
This is largely due to concerns that releasing non-native turtles into the wild can be ecologically damaging and spread diseases to native species.
At the federal level, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration instituted a ban in 1975 on the sale of turtles less than 4 inches in length due to public health concerns. This effectively halted sales of hatchling red-eared sliders across the country.
However, many state and local jurisdictions have additional restrictions beyond the federal regulation.
State-by-State Analysis
State laws on keeping red-eared sliders vary considerably throughout the U.S. Some of the strictest states include California, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Tennessee, where nearly all non-native turtles are banned as pets.
For example, California’s law prohibits import, transport, possession, or release of any non-native turtles into natural areas, so virtually no red-eared sliders can be kept as pets there.
On the other hand, states like Missouri, Nebraska, and Michigan have few or no regulations beyond federal rules. In Missouri, it is legal to catch wild native turtles and keep them as pets, though commercial harvest is regulated.
Between these extremes are states that allow possession of red-eared sliders under certain conditions, such as acquiring a permit or registration. For instance, Georgia requires permits for any turtles of less than 4 inches in length, while Indiana limits households to possessing just 4 slider turtles at a time.
| State | Regulation Summary |
|---|---|
| California | Ban on possession of non-native turtles |
| Missouri | No regulations beyond federal rules |
| Georgia | Permit required to possess small turtles |
| Indiana | Max 4 turtles per household |
City and County Ordinances
Some municipalities and counties add their own restrictions on top of state laws. For example, while Florida has no comprehensive ban, Miami-Dade County specifically prohibits keeping, breeding, or selling slider turtles.
Conversely, some local jurisdictions have fewer rules than their state. St. Louis County in Missouri does not regulate possession of red-eared sliders, even though the state of Missouri allows some municipal restrictions.
In areas where local authorities have not enacted specialized regulations, the state laws still apply. However, ownership rules can get confusing in places where city, county, and state laws overlap or contradict. Checking all levels of government before getting a red-eared slider is crucial.
Owning a Red-Eared Slider Legally
Sourcing a Legal Turtle
When looking to obtain a red-eared slider, it is crucial to source it legally. Many states have banned the sale of small sliders due to their negative impact on local ecosystems when released. The best option is to adopt a slider from a turtle rescue or humane society.
These organizations often have adult sliders who need new homes. Adopting is an ethical way to find your new reptilian friend.
Permits and Registration Requirements
Depending on your state’s laws, you may need to obtain permits or register your red-eared slider. For example, New Jersey requires permits for any imported red-eared sliders while Indiana requires registration within 30 days of obtaining one. Be sure to check your state’s regulations.
Many states ban individuals from releasing non-native turtles into the wild due to concerns over competition with native species and disease transmission. Failing to follow regulations could result in heavy fines.
Best Practices for Responsible Ownership
First, provide an adequately sized habitat – sliders can grow over 10 inches long and require 10 gallons of water per inch of shell length. Include both dry basking areas and a water tank with heating lamps and UV light.
Offer a varied diet with vegetables, fruits, aquatic plants, dried shrimp, and occasional treats like mealworms. Additionally, create enrichment through substrate for digging, branches for climbing out of the water, and places to hide like caves and tunnels.
Always wash your hands before and after handling your turtle and do not release it into the wild. Responsible owners who meet their pet turtle’s needs through proper care and attention will enjoy decades with their unique underwater companion!
Conclusion
In summary, regulations around owning red-eared sliders as pets vary greatly depending on where you live. They are federally banned from transport across state lines or international export, and completely illegal to own in some states and municipalities due to their threat as an invasive species.
Responsible ownership starts with understanding your local laws and permitting processes. While red-eared sliders can make unique pets, they also come with environmental considerations to factor into your decision if allowed in your area.
