A red-eared slider turtle has been spotted in Christina Lake. It was seen by the highway, as well as on a log at the south end of the lake.
This type of turtle is the most common type sold in pet stores and can live up to 30 years in captivity. It is illegal and cruel to release unwanted pets into the wild, and these critters can cause numerous impacts on the lake’s ecosystem.
It is possible that this turtle has a home and owners that miss it and maybe it escaped, but it is important to contact the right authorities if this has happened to you, so that it can be contained as soon as possible.
Red-eared sliders are native to the area around the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. Anytime a non-native species is introduced to an area, the ecosystem balance changes, including limiting food sources and carrying diseases.
In the case of red-eared sliders, they compete directly with the only native pond turtle left in B.C., the western painted turtle. This native species is also blue-listed which means they are vulnerable to habitat loss.
“Don’t Let it Loose” is the best policy when it comes to pets. If you no longer want your pet or can no longer keep it for any reason, it is best to find it a new home. You can contact the place you bought it to see if they will take it back, you can take it to the SPCA or perhaps one of your friends is looking for a new pet. It is also important to remember to never dump aquariums into water or down storm sewers.
If you see any red-eared slider turtles on the loose in Christina Lake please contact the Christina Lake Stewardship Society at 250-447-2504, the Boundary Invasive Species Society at 250-446-2232 or your local Ministry of the Environment branch.
