WTSP (Tampa Bay, Florida) 25 June 07 State bans common pet store turtle

Tallahassee, Florida: Beginning July 1, people no longer may purchase red-eared sliders — common pet store turtles. A new rule passed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) prohibits selling the species. However, anyone who already has a red-eared slider may keep it, under the new rule.

Red-eared sliders already in captivity will not be allowed to breed, so any offspring will have to be surrendered to certified red-eared slider adopters or dealers, or euthanized.

“This exemption was included to allow owners of red-eared sliders to keep their turtles and discourage them from releasing this nonnative species into the wild, We want to encourage people to protect our native turtles. Red-eared slider turtles interbreed with Florida's native yellow-bellied sliders.” (Scott Hardin / FWC Exotic Species Coordinator)

People still can buy and sell albino red-eared sliders and others with unusual color variations, often known as pastels.

“These colorful varieties are more expensive and unlikely to be released.” (Scott Hardin / FWC Exotic Species Coordinator)

Dealers can apply for permits to import red-eared sliders to ship out of state or sell to permitted turtle dealers or breeders in Florida, but imported red-eared sliders may not be sold as pets in this state.

FWC will issue permits to qualified research institutions and exhibitors to possess red-eared sliders.

The new rule also requires a solid fence or planking buried at least 6 inches under the ground for red-eared sliders kept outside. Owners of pet red-eared sliders may not acquire additional specimens, and if their turtles reproduce, they should destroy all eggs before they hatch.

FWC is working to establish a pet adoption network for nonnative fish and wildlife, including red-eared sliders.

If you have questions about your pet red-eared slider or are interested in becoming a certified adopter of unwanted nonnative pets, contact Jenny Novak at (850) 926-0128.
State bans common pet store turtle

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