Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We were in Petsmart tonight looking at the new tanks compared to the used ones.

My husband and I are both worried about a tank of turtles. For a couple of weeks or so, there has been a 55 gal w/ plastic plants and two tubs of water, one on each end. There has always been a very dark longer looking turtle w/ a DARK head w/ red stripes all over it. Kind of looks like painted on veins and the sign says some sort of wood turtle. (Central american or something. sorry I forget). NOW, there are 3 more turtles that are COMPLETELY diff. and I have no doubt are RES approx 7".

The manager on duty literally told us they are the same turtles, that sliders are illegal and that sliders are smaller. We looked at her like she was stupid and told her they get bigger than that. (I couldn't remember for sure, but I told her 10-12". Anyhow, I know nothing of this box turtle and know this wasn't a tank of water w/ basking spots.

If they sell these turtles as this box turtle,,,,,,,I would assume it could be fatal.

Who would I contact to check them out and make them aware of the situation if in deed it is a situation?

Thanks, and I'm sorry I made this so long.

What state are you in?
If you're really sure they're RES... you can twist the truth a bit without making the store admit to doing anything illegal and saving the lives of the turtles. Say 'Oh! Those are the rare Chiapas giant sliders! They're kept just like RES, they're just larger and more exotic. See? I have a picture from the net...'.
That, or you could actually turn them into the authorities, but I wonder if the turtles wouldn't just get destroyed. It's a tricky situation. It's probably an innocent mistake on their part, as I don't think a chain store would knowingly get in illegal animals. Maybe they got them in on accident and are trying to cover it up now.
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Peter: It's OK, I'll handle it. I read a book about something like this.
Brian: Are you sure it was a book? Are you sure it wasn't NOTHING?

Why is it illegal to have 7" RES for sale? I think it is only illegal if they are under 4", right?

http://www.chelonia.org/species.htm

The World Chelonian Trust has a photo gallery that might help you ID the species in the store. If you get a positive ID on everyone, and the set-ups are incorrect, you can complain to the CEO of the company by lodging a complaint at www.planetfeedback.com

If they do indeed have Central American wood turtles, please do lodge a complaint about the fact that they are selling wild-caught turtles as well. Plus, it's not a good idea to mix animals from different continets, especially wild-caughts, due to disease risk.

Katrina

In which state is this? Sliders, as far as I know, aren't illegal to sell so long as they are over four inches, unless this is a state to which sliders are native, then you might have some native reptile regulations that stores have to follow.

Katrina

The set up was suitable for the central american wood turtle. You really need to get a positive I.D. on what you thought was a slider before can accuse these folks of any wrong doing. Make sure you have all the proper ammunition. As far as I know sliders aren't illegal to sell when over 4 inches in length.