Conservation status: Threatened. The red-eared slider is a subspecies of pond slider. Widely distributed in Maryland due to frequent irresponsible releases of pet turtles. This subspecies is native to the Mississippi Valley region, ranging west into Texas. It occurs widely in ponds, lakes, creeks, and rivers with aquatic plants and a mud bottom. Sliders are frequently seen basking on logs or rocks, often with other species of turtles. Red-eared Sliders are now found through much of northern and central Maryland .
Other Work From Susan Fay Schauer
