June 12, 2015: Red-eared Slider

The Red-eared Slider is protected in Iowa and one cannot collect it.  However, this species is commonly sold in pet stores and released into areas where it is not commonly found.  This is probably how this species got to the Park.  Red-eared Sliders are normally found in southeast Iowa, along the Mississippi River and the rivers that drain into it.  This turtle was found leaving Pond M. 6/14/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)