May 25, 2020: Red-eared Slider

Red-eared Sliders occurs naturally in southeastern Iowa, following the Mississippi River north from the Missouri border.  They are also found in the four large southeastern rivers that empty into the Mississippi River.  The ones at the Park are present because of the pet trade.  Owners have released their pet turtles into the ponds and lakes.  The Red-eared Sliders at the Park appear to be doing well, even reproducing.  This individual was found at Pond J.  The most common turtle at the Park is the Western Painted Turtle (reddish plastron).  Red-eared Sliders have yellow plastrons and a red mark behind the eye. (Wolf. Oesterreich, 5/23/20)