#how to make a basking area for red-eared slider

[turtlespet]

How to Make a Basking Area for Red-Eared Slider?

To make a basking area for your Red-Eared Slider, you will need a sturdy tank with an appropriate substrate. The tank should have enough room to provide plenty of swimming space and include a platform or dock on one side that is large enough for the turtle to rest upon. You’ll also need an appropriate UVB light source and a reliable water heater. Fill the tank with dechlorinated warm water until…

[britt-kageryuu]

It's early evening, things are calm, and Donnie is playing as a Horrible Goose. He has his model dressed in his Dinosaur Onesie, and matching slippers, and on the purple inflatable chair, against a background that made it look like he mas next to a pond somewhere. Animated turtles are swimming in said pond, including a softshell that keeps popping up to 'bite' the chair.

"This game very much matches my more mild Cain Instincts. Maybe I'll recommend this to Blue later. Though I must make sure he's never seen anything about the game first. Dubious Chuckle." Donnie does lets out a sinister sounding chuckle. "Clears Throat. I mean, I must be sure he plays this blind, it would be more entertaining! For you, and for me ofcourse."

Suddenly a loud mechanical hiss and growl could be heard, that startles Donnie. He quickly paused the game, and removed his headphones to check out what made the noise. His model goes off screen which reveals an animated red eared slider now basking on the seat of the chair. It has a little speech bubble that says 'BRB!!'

Chat goes nuts with many already creating Conspiracy Theories, while others are spamming how cute the little turtle animations look.

A few minutes later Donnie comes back, sits back down, and puts his headphones back on, all while looking mildly annoyed.

"Annoyed Sigh. Before anyone asks, that was River. A while back I bought her a game to keep her distracted that she wanted. But now she's annoyed because there is currently a bug that crashes the game every few times she cooks, and she also can't find a collectable, and every search result for it's location is one she already got." He decides to take his frustration out on the glasses wearing kid that is needed to continue the area puzzles/to-do list. "We believe the Collectables might not be labeled properly in the guides because of a different set where the first one in the list order is the last you collect for the area."

He proceeded to steal a bunch of random stuff from the market stalls, even stuff not necessary for the task list. Honking all the while.

"I wonder how hard it would be to re-skin the Goose into something else? I'll try that out later. As for Rivers game problem? It's apparently a common issue, and many have a similarly problem. Including one of the lists saying an item is missing, when the list is fully checked off."

A donation notification goes off that gets 'chased' off the screen by a goose with a purple bandana and Donnies goggles.

"Thank you for the donation, but the message was cut off, again. I guess that's another thing to work on later!" Donnie suddenly stretches out his body while still sitting. Arms stretched above his head with his hands clasped together, his legs held out straight with his slipper covered feet at slightly odd angles. Slight cracks or pops can be picked up by the mic. Ending with a loud yawn from Donnie himself.

"It's still early, but I feel like it's much later, must be from staying up too late last night watching memes... and I'll do it again tonight because I don't always control how easy it is to sleep! Light laugh, or would it be joking?" Donnie looks upward while thinking. He then pulls out his phone to check something. "Darn, it's definitely too late to have my preferred drink, and I'm being lightly threatened to get to sleep before midnight. The horror!"

He says all of this is such a deadpan tone that chat doesn't know how to interpret the moment.

"Okay, let's get the next area completed, then I will have to swim off to dinner. So let's embrace the goose, and annoy more people!!!"

The stream ends an hour later, with at least 4 new emojis of geese dressed in color coded bandanas, and a accessory to match their turtle counterparts.

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Masterpost

[ankeral]

How to Choose the Perfect Pet Home: Best Small Animal Cage Ideas for Your Lovely Pet Friends

Choosing the Right Pet Home: Creative Small Animal Cage and Aquarium Ideas

If you’re a pet lover, you know that creating a comfortable and safe pet home is more than just providing food and water—it’s about building an environment where your furry, scaly, or aquatic friend can thrive. Whether you’re housing a hamster, fish, turtle, or even a snake, the right setup can make all the difference. In this blog post, we’ll explore smart ways to create cozy, space-saving, and visually appealing homes for your small pets—using everything from small animal cages to modern pet terrariums and unique hanging fish tanks.

🐹 What Makes a Good Pet Home for Small Animals?

When it comes to small pets like hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, or mice, a quality small animal cage is essential. These animals require not only enough space to move around but also areas for hiding, sleeping, and playing.

A great pet house for small animals should include:

Ventilation for airflow

Solid base to prevent escape or injury

Space for toys, tunnels, and bedding

Easy access for cleaning and feeding

Modern designs often incorporate multiple levels or clear acrylic panels, allowing owners to interact with their pets while maintaining a clean, minimal look. Some even combine the aesthetic of furniture with functionality—perfect for apartments or smaller homes.

🐟 Fish Tanks That Go Beyond the Basics

If your idea of a pet home involves fins rather than fur, then an eye-catching fish tank may be right for you. There’s a wide range of options, from the classic small fish tank ideal for tight spaces, to decorative hanging wall-mounted fish tanks that double as wall art.

Looking for something with color and personality? A betta fish tank is not only easy to maintain but also showcases the vibrant hues of these beautiful fish. Compact and low-maintenance, these tanks make great beginner aquariums.

If you’re more experienced or have the space, larger aquariums with integrated filtration and lighting systems can be a stunning centerpiece for any room. No matter the size, make sure your fish have room to swim, plants to hide in, and a consistent water environment.

🐢 Turtle Tanks That Mimic Natural Environments

Turtles need more than just water—they need a habitat that replicates their natural surroundings. A quality turtle tank should include both aquatic and dry areas, with basking platforms and UV lighting.

Many turtle tanks today come with built-in filtration systems and decorative rock platforms, making them both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Whether you’re housing a red-eared slider or a musk turtle, make sure you provide enough room for growth and enrichment.

🐍 A Stylish Home for Your Snake

Snakes can make fascinating pets, and providing them with a secure, temperature-controlled snake tank is crucial. These reptiles require specialized pet terrariums that maintain heat, humidity, and safety.

Modern pet terrariums are often made from clear acrylic or glass, with front-opening doors and ventilation systems. These not only make your snake visible and easy to care for but also turn their habitat into a conversation piece in your home.

Decorate your snake’s home with realistic plants, branches, and hiding spots to help them feel secure. And always ensure the enclosure is escape-proof.

🦎 Chameleon Terrariums That Balance Light, Heat, and Height

Chameleons are fascinating reptiles known for their color-changing abilities and unique personalities—but they also require a very specific type of pet home. A vertical pet terrarium is ideal, as chameleons love to climb and need plenty of height to feel secure.

These pets thrive in well-ventilated enclosures with controlled temperature, humidity, and UVB lighting. Live plants, vines, and branches are essential features of a chameleon habitat, helping replicate their natural environment. When setting up a terrarium, choose materials like mesh or acrylic that allow airflow while still retaining heat. A misting system or regular hand-spraying is also necessary to maintain proper hydration.

With the right setup, a chameleon’s habitat becomes more than just a cage—it becomes a mini rainforest right in your living room.

🐸 Frog-Friendly Pet Homes for Amphibian Lovers

If you’re thinking about getting a pet frog, setting up the right pet home is essential to keep your amphibian happy and healthy. Unlike reptiles, frogs need moist environments, and many prefer semi-aquatic setups that include both land and water areas.

A glass or acrylic pet terrarium with a secure lid is a great choice. For species like tree frogs or dart frogs, vertical space is key, while aquatic frogs may benefit more from a shallow fish tank with land platforms. Adding moss, driftwood, and smooth stones not only enhances the natural feel but also helps frogs stay comfortable and hidden.

Frogs are quiet, low-maintenance pets, and their enclosures can be both functional and decorative. With the right care and attention to humidity, lighting, and water quality, you can create a peaceful frog haven that blends beautifully with your indoor space.

[augiepets]

A comprehensive guide and some ideas to having a pet turtle at home

Taking care of a pet turtleis not as simple as it may appear. The decision to keep a pet turtle should be carefully considered. If your child has been begging for a pet, a turtle may seem like an obvious choice. It may appear to be more exotic than a goldfish and require less maintenance than a cat or dog. Turtles take particular attention and cleaning, and they don't get along well with children—turtles may bite and dislike being handled—but they're still fascinating pets to watch. Pet turtles need a lot of care and upkeep, and their lengthy lifetime makes them more of a long-term investment than a pet.

Image Alt Text: pet turtle

Image Title: pet turtle

Description: The decision to keep a pet turtle should be carefully considered.

This is your guide to everything you need to know about How to take care of a pet turtle

1. Choosing the right breed of your pet turtle: Turtles come in a range of shapes and sizes, and some make better pets than others. Some may grow to be quite huge, while others are recognised for being more social and less aggressive, and they will all have distinct space, lighting, and dietary requirements.

Most people are not prepared to deal with the fact that turtles live for many years. Getting a pet turtle is a serious commitment. It's not a creature that will live for a few years. Not only do these creatures live a long time, but they also demand enormous cage.

Turtle house pets of all sizes, whether inside or out, require plenty of space. It's critical that they have a suitable enclosure; they must be allowed to exercise in order to be healthy.

There are many different species of turtles, but box turtles and red-eared slider turtles are the most often brought home as pets (and the simplest to care for).

Dark skin with yellowish patterns and towering, dome-shaped shells give box turtles their name. Adults generally reach a length of around 6 inches. One of the most popular aquatic turtle species is the Red Eared Slider.

They're more social and friendly than some of their cousins, they're very active, and they're readily accessible. These are the ones you'll see swimming about in aquariums at your local pet store. While young pet turtles are typically 4 inches or less, adults may grow up to 11 inches in length, which means you may need to expand your tank in the near future.

These pet turtles are usually kept indoors, but with the appropriate shelter, cleanliness, and warmer temperatures, they may thrive in an outdoor pond as well. It may become simpler to offer them with the space they require outside as they get older.

Image Alt Text: buy turtles online

Image Title: buy turtles online

Description: buy turtles online, water turtle breeders near me live turtles for sale and baby freshwater turtle store.

Red Eared Sliders may grow to be quite large, so their tank should be large and have plenty of places for them to bask. UV lighting and a good water filtration system are required.

2. Housing your turtle: When it comes to housing, bigger is better. Because many aquatic pet turtles are strong swimmers, use the biggest feasible enclosure.

Aquaria made of glass are a popular choice. For smaller species measuring 4 to 6 inches, a 30-gallon tank is the absolute minimum size.

A 55-gallon tank is suitable for turtles measuring 6 to 8 inches in length. Tanks in the 75- to 125-gallon range are best for turtles measuring more over 8 inches.

If you're starting with a younger, smaller pet turtle, a smaller tank is OK as long as the enclosure grows with your turtle. Plastic tubs, which can be found at most home or hardware stores, are another option for turtle housing.

Some tubs featuring both a water and a land section are particularly intended for pet turtles. An indoor or outdoor pond is another wonderful choice if you have the space. Clean water is one of the keys to successful turtle keeping.

A decent filtering system will help a great deal with this. An internal aquarium filter or a canister filter are both good alternatives for pet turtleaquariums. Whatever option you pick, make sure to clean the filter on a regular basis.

Pet turtles make a lot of messes. Keep tank ornaments to a bare minimum. Any attempt at aqua scalping is usually rejected by most turtles. Pet turtles are classified into two groups depending on their habitat: terrestrial and aquatic.

Box turtles are terrestrial turtles that live on land. They may be found in wet locations all over the world, such as the mossy sections of woods. An outdoor cage with high walls and a roof to fend off predators is a great home for a box pet turtle if you live in a temperate climate (with an average temperature of 75-85 degrees).

Image Alt Text: What do pet turtles eat?

Image Title: What do pet turtles eat?

Description: pet turtles can eat vegetables, and fruits should all be included in an adult pet turtle's diet.

Set up an indoor space for your box pet turtles if you live in a colder or warmer region. Box turtles enjoy digging, so make sure they have enough of dirt, potting soil, shredded newspaper, or carpet scraps to keep them occupied.

Box pet turtles require a certain amount of moisture to thrive, so make sure your turtle's cage has lots of decaying dry leaves and damp soil, as well as a comfortable shoe box or flower pot where the turtle may hide or nap. Your outdoor turtle should never be kept in a glass aquarium.

The glass will heat up like a greenhouse, and your poor creature will be cooked! Aquatic pet turtles, such as the red-eared slider, prefer marshy, muddy regions with dense vegetation, such as lakes and ponds, as their native environment.

They require a habitat that includes both clean water for swimming and dry terrain for resting, hiding, and sunbathing. A tank with a capacity of at least 40 gallons should provide enough space for your pet turtle to walk about in.

Fill the bottom of your pet turtle’s tank with tiny rocks so it may dig around and have fun. You may also create a private island for your turtle by placing a huge rock or floating log in the centre of the water.

3. Feeding your turtles: What do pet turtles eat? Most pet turtles are omnivores, which means they consume both meat and vegetation. Animal products, vegetables, and fruits should all be included in an adult pet turtle's diet.

Younger pet turtles , between the ages of 7 and 10, require a greater proportion of animal-based meals. The amount of animal and vegetable food your pet turtlerequires is determined on its species.

Sources of animal food Processed pet meals like drained sardines, turtle pellets, and trout chow are examples of animal-based food sources for turtles. Cooked chicken, beef, and turkey are also good options.

Moths, crickets, shrimp, krill, feeder fish, and worms are examples of live prey. To assure quality and safety, purchase insects from a pet store or an undeveloped area, or cultivate them yourself.

Sources of plant food Leafy greens like collards, dandelions, and mustard greens should be the main sources of plant-based diet for your pet turtle. Some of these veggies, such as chives, parsley, and spinach, have high amounts of oxalates, which should be avoided.

Apples, cantaloupe, bananas, berries, and mangoes are examples of fruits. Non-toxic aquatic plants such as water hyacinth, water lettuce, and duckweed can also be fed to them.

Feed an adult pet turtle once or twice a day, and a juvenile turtle one to two times a day, depending on the species. The amount of food your pet turtle should eat is determined on its species.

As a general guideline, only let your pet turtle consume as much as they can in approximately 20 minutes, especially with pellets and other non-living items, and then remove any leftovers.

When it comes to eating habits, sea turtles and land turtles have distinct tastes. Because aquatic turtles can only eat when submerged, you'll need to put food in their water tank. Place your land turtle's food on a flat, firm surface, such as a rock or grass, if you have one. Many turtle owners like to cut a variety of veggies to feed their pets so that they don't simply consume one type and miss out on other, more nutritious plants.

Pet turtleshave different nutritional needs depending on their species. Research the nutritional requirements of your pet turtles species, and if you have any questions or concerns, contact your veterinarian.

Pet turtles, like humans and many other creatures, may become fat. Overfeeding your turtle can cause them to gain weight, making it difficult for them to withdraw their arms and legs inside their shell.

To minimise overfeeding, make sure your turtle has plenty of room to roam about. Tanks for turtles up to 6 inches long should be 30 gallons at a minimum, and up to 125 gallons for pet turtles over 8 inches long.

Image Alt text: pet turtles

Image Title: pet turtles

Description: Pet turtles need a lot of care and upkeep, and their lengthy lifetime makes them more of a long-term investment than a pet.

Live prey allows your turtle to hunt and get some exercise. If pet turtles food isn't balanced, they might get vitamin A deficiency. A reduction in appetite, swelling of the eyelids and ears, renal failure, and lung infections are all symptoms of too little vitamin A in turtles.

Carrots, squash, bell peppers, and other red, orange, and yellow vegetables are high in vitamin A, which pet turtles require. Low-nutrient foods, such as lettuce and celery, should be avoided.

A veterinarian may prescribe Vitamin A therapies, either injected or given orally, to address Vitamin A deficiency. Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to growing a healthy turtle.

A healthy, well-balanced diet is essential for success. Provide as many varied meals as possible, with a high-quality pet turtles food serving as the mainstay of the diet. Keep in mind that a pet turtles nutritional requirements fluctuate as it grows older.

Although many are predominantly carnivorous as hatchlings, as they grow older, they ingest more plant stuff. Plant matter may even make up the bulk of the diet of some adult pet turtles.

It might be a symptom of sickness if your pet turtles aren’t eating enough, but other variables could be at play. Make sure the temperature of your tank, as well as the water temperature, lighting, and size, are appropriate for your turtle's species.

Pet turtleslack of appetite might be caused by hibernation or stress. Consult a veterinarian about any symptoms or behaviours, and schedule an appointment if problems persist after you make adjustments.

4. Controlling the light and temperature: Unfortunately, this is the most frequently overlooked aspect of a pet turtleenvironment. When purchasing a pet reptile from a pet store, many individuals choose not to purchase the most expensive element of the set up.

These same folks frequently rely on the pet store assistant to assist them in purchasing items for their new pet turtle, and they are frequently informed that UVB illumination is not required.

Your pet turtle will develop metabolic bone disease, be unable to synthesis Vitamin D (causing calcium metabolism issues), be sluggish, and have a lack of appetite if UVB illumination is not provided.

For these reasons, UVB lighting is critical. In most enclosures, supplementary heat is required since many turtles demand basking temperatures in the 80s and 90s.

Heat lamps are favoured over under-tank heaters because they allow you to adjust the temperature of the surrounding air. Under tank heaters sometimes have few or no controls for controlling the heat, and they primarily warm the bottom of the enclosure while failing to increase the surrounding air temperature, making it difficult to achieve a correct thermal gradient.

Heat lamps for tortoises and turtles come in a range of wattages, but it's vital to figure out what bulb wattage the cage requires to maintain the proper temperature. Larger enclosures often require greater wattage bulbs, whereas smaller enclosures require less wattage to maintain proper temperatures.

Aside from the mercury vapour bulb, which emits UVB rays, there are ceramic heat emitters and ordinary reptile heat lamp bulbs in various wattages. Ceramic heat emitters produce just heat and do not produce light, and they screw into a clamp light.

These are wonderful since they last a long time, are less brittle than light bulbs, and may be used at any time of day or night because they emit no light. In addition to heat, regular reptile heat bulbs can emit white, red, or blue/purple light.

Some concluding pointers!

1. Turtles require a lot of energy and time into proper maintenance. Pet turtles need a lot of care and upkeep, and their lengthy lifetime makes them more of a long-term investment than a pet.

2. Pet turtles are usually kept indoors, but with the appropriate shelter, cleanliness, and warmer temperatures, they may thrive in an outdoor pond as well.

3. Pet turtles make a lot of messes. Keep tank ornaments to a bare minimum.

4. Turtles, like humans and many other creatures, may become fat.

5. UVB lighting is critical. In most enclosures, supplementary heat is required since many turtles demand basking temperatures in the 80s and 90s.

How can Augie help you?

We have an ideal mix of Products and Services that can aid you in your efforts to take care of your pets. We work with different pets viz. Dogs / Cats / Other pets

You can reach out to us and we can aid you. Looking forward to working with you

Have a great Day Ahead!!

[topproductsreview]

Red Eared Slider Secrets Review - IS IT LEGIT?

Would you like to find out more about the Red Eared Slider Secrets guide and will it really show you how you can take the best care of your red eared slider and help them live their best lives for their maximum lifespan? This guide is created for those who are currently either thinking about buying a red eared slider or are already a proud owner of one and would like to give them the best care and treatment. Though learning from it, members will get to understand how these beautiful semi-aquatic turtles truly need special attention and care and how to go about giving them exactly that. Through this entire guide, the most important topics of taking care of red eared sliders are covered. These include:

Designing the best enclosure and helping them feel safe

Saving money on purchasing supplies and equipment for your turtie

Tips for maintaining and keeping the enclosure clean

How much basking area to provide and how to create it

How to handle and breed your red-eared slider turtle the right way

Tips to read the health indicators of your turtle based on its appearance and behaviour

What to do when your turtle goes missing to find it

What, how and when to feed your turtle

Tips for packing your red eared slider for trips

and much more!

What Are The Main Lessons And Teachings Covered In The Red Eared Slider Secrets Guide?

Save money when purchasing equipment and supplies for your Red-Eared Slider

Accurately determine that size of the enclosure that you need for your Red-Eared Slider by cutting out all of the guess work

Make sure your Red-Eared Slider feels safe and secure

Design your own enclosure and important things you should not neglect

Where to keep your Red-Eared Slider's enclosure, inside or outside

Why it is so important to make sure your Red-Eared Slider has proper heat

Choose from four different types of enclosures for your Red-Eared Slider

Make sure your Red-Eared Slider cannot escape the enclosure you provide

Ensure you are providing your Red-Eared Slider with the correct type and proper amount of light

Provide your Red-Eared Slider with an adequate basking area

Choose the best substrate for your Red-Eared Slider's enclosure

Ensure your Red-Eared Slider's enclosure is well furnished with somewhere to hide, somewhere to nest with adequate plant life and decorations

To keep your Red-Eared Slider enclosure clean and well maintained...

Full Red Eared Slider Secrets Review here! at https://scamorno.com/Red-Eared-Slider-Secrets-Review/?id=tumblr

[nerdgul]

your setup is so cool! i've thought about keeping a turtle but i was worried about the space and price of a proper aquarium. can't wait to see how you decorate it :0c

thanks!!! 

if you’re interested in turtles they make pretty great pets but are one of those animals that are a lot more high maintenance than pet stores let on (and end up being abused a lot because of it) i’ve seen a lot of people do builds with pond liners and rubbermaid tubs (those things farms use as water buckets for horses) there's a lot of cheaper options for aquariums out there 

and if space if also an issue you can also look into turtles that stay relatively small, its a general rule they need 10 gal of water per inch of turtle, so like a map turtles,wich get around 3-4″, would only need a 30 or 40 gal tank. non-aquatic turtles would also be good, they still need a roaming room but its easier to find areas/containers that don't need support water. 

i have a female red ear slider whos currently about 7″(on the smaller side for her breed) but she needs a ton of room im so glad to have her out of that tiny 20 gal tank! Ill post updates for when i finally get around to building a proper basking area, i wanna also establish some plants (if she dosent eat them all), but those are projects for another day  =D 

[usfwspacific]

National Invasive Species Awareness Week

Allow us to introduce you to the Tenacious Trespassers of the Columbia River Basin.  They secretly slither, swim, hitchhike and crawl their way, often traveling thousands of miles over land and sea to invade our local rivers, lakes and streams.  Once they make themselves at home, these pesky invaders wreak havoc on the aquatic ecosystem and local economy.  These aquatic nuisance species pose a threat to the native flora, fauna, and fishes of the Columbia River Basin.  Keep a close eye out for these critters because we need to send them packing for good!

Clogging up our waterways

Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum)  originated in Europe and Asia. This plant was commonly sold as an aquarium plant and has spread through aquatic ecosystems from humans dumping their aquariums or inadvertant releases from ornamental ponds.  Boat trailers moving between lakes and rivers can also harbor these hitchhikers. While water currents and flood events can also carry small fragments of the plant to new places where it can reproduce agressively. It only takes a small stem or plant fragment to start a new colony in waterbodies.  

This aquatic plant grows so dense that it blocks the sunlight needed by the native species and creates stagnant areas with low oxygen levels. Recreational activities such as fishing, swimming and boating are greatly impaired where thick mats occur.  These invasive plants can grow up to 2 inches per day.

Eurasian watermilfoil continues to be sold through aquarium supply dealers and over the Internet.  In fact, at one time, this plant was used by earthworm farmers, who packed their product in the aquatic plant for transport.  Let’s stop the spread.  How?  Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat and equipment after recreating in your favorite lake or waterbody.

American Bullfrog 

The American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) is the largest species of frog in the United States with males reaching 8 inches in length and weighing up to one pound.  They inhabit a variety of freshwater habitats including ponds, marshes, streams, and rivers; as well as man-made habitats such as canals and storm water ponds.  Unlike other frogs, bullfrogs spend most of their time in the water where they feed.

When they are tadpoles, they are dark green with black dots and yellow bellies and are up to 6 inches long.  Adults are greenish to dark brown with dark spots and gold eyes.  You can easily identify these frogs as they have an exposed eardrum (tympanum) which can be twice the size of their eye in males.  Also, the bullfrog lacks the two parallel lines of raised glandular skin between the back and side that is found on most native frogs.  Instead look for a fold of skin that begins just behind the eye and extends to its ear.

Historically native to the eastern United States and southern Quebec and Ontario, the species has now been introduced to many areas of the western United States, Europe, South America, and Asia.  Originally, bullfrogs were probably introduced accidentally during fish stocking operations in many western lakes, but since have been intentionally introduced as a food item (frog legs) during the early 1900’s and also through the aquarium trade.

Bullfrogs can travel up to a mile over land during wet seasons, allowing them to colonize new waters and expand their range.

What are its impacts?

Adult bullfrogs eat anything they can catch and swallow including native frogs, turtles, birds, fish, crustaceans, and bats.  Because they lack predators and have a high rate of reproduction, bullfrogs can quickly establish themselves in areas resulting in declines in native populations.  Bullfrogs have been blamed for the decline of the native Western pond turtle in Oregon, Washington and California.

Bullfrogs lay up 20,000 eggs each season, while native species like the red-legged frogs, only lay up to 5,000 eggs.  Control measures such as regulated harvests, introducing predator species (e.g. largemouth bass), trapping and collection of egg masses have been used to combat this fiendish frog, but most methods are considered too expensive and time consuming.  Prevention through public education is considered the best, most effective measure to combat the spread of Bullfrog.  

Washington State has classified the bullfrog as a Prohibited Aquatic Animal Species, meaning they may not be possessed, purchased, sold, propagated, transported, or released into state waters.   In Oregon, the bullfrog is considered a controlled species and can be legally harvested year-round; no license is required.

How can YOU prevent the spread of bullfrogs?

• NEVER release unwanted pet frogs or science projects into the wild.  Instead, consider giving it to a friend.

• DO NOT purchase or share bullfrogs at any life stage (eggs to adults).  Report any bullfrogs you see for sale to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife or Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Red-eared slider, (Trachemys scripta elegans)

Red-eared sliders are native to the southern United States and northern Mexico. but have been widely introduced through the pet trade.  Turtle ownership reached its peak in popularity during the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle craze of the late 1980’s and early 1990’s when it was revealed the crime fighting “heroes in a half shell” were red-eared sliders.  Unfortunately many turtles escaped or were intentionally released into the wild when owners grew tired of caring for them; not realizing the turtles can live up to 40 years and grow up to 13 inches.

Red-eared sliders are very aggressive turtles and will often displace and out-compete native turtles for common food, nesting and basking sites.  They may also transmit parasites or disease to native turtle populations.

Did you know that the red-eared slider is on the list of 100 of the World’s Worst Invasive Alien Species.  Small turtles may carry the salmonella bacteria that can be transmitted to humans.

Don't Let It Loose! - Alternatives to Release

Next time you are trying to figure out what to do with unwanted aquarium pets consider these options listed below. Your actions can make a huge difference in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species!

Contact your pet store for donation, return, or exchange options.

Give your unwanted plants and fish to another hobbyist, public aquarium, school, or community center.

Bag and trash aquatic plants and pour aquarium water in upland areas of your yard instead of storm drains, sink or toilet.

Freeze plants for 24 hours and place them into the garbage.

Learn about the needs of particular aquarium species before you buy.

If all else fails, contact your local veterinarian for humane disposal options.

 Photo credit USFWS

Developed by Briita Orwick, Aquatic Invasive Species Intern, Pacific Region