Pet owners dumped unwanted turtles in an Oregon park: A 2015 count found 30 of 50 basking turtles were invaders crowding out both native species

Pet turtles, particularly red-eared sliders, are wreaking havoc on Oregon’s native wildlife by being released into local parks. These invasive species have become so numerous that they are now outcompeting native turtles for essential resources and basking locations. Scientific studies reveal that native turtle populations thrive when these non-native turtles are eliminated. As a result, Oregon authorities strongly discourage the release of pet turtles into natural environments to protect wildlife.
Read more at the source

Disclaimer: The content of this post is sourced from external sites and is for informational purposes only. All rights and credits belong to the original authors and publishers.