Red-eared slider

Description:

The red-eared slider gets its name from the red stripe behind its eye, and its habit of sliding off rocks or logs into the water when it is startled. Red eared sliders reside in areas with fresh, calm and warm water--ponds, marshes, streams and lakes. These reptiles are fast and excellent swimmers. Wild red-eared sliders will stay close to water unless it is in search for a new water source or if the female needs to nest and lay eggs. They make wonderful pets because they become quite tame in captivity. They are quiet, calm and generally slow-moving. When provided with the right environment they can be quite hardy, have modest requirements and live a long time.

Habitat:

This red-eared slider was spotted at Silver Springs State Park in Silver Springs, Florida.