Red-eared Slider Turtle
Trachemys scripta elegans
Classed as a restricted invasive animal under the Biosecurity Act 2014. Animals must not be kept, fed, given away, sold or released into the environment without a permit.
All sightings of Red-eared Slider Turtles must be reported to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 within 24 hours of the sighting. Please also report any sightings to Council's animal control team on 1300 883 699.
The Red-eared Slider is a freshwater turtle from the USA and is named for the distinctive red stripes behind its ears. The species is highly aggressive and can out compete native turtle species for food and space.
Red-eared Sliders also use native waterbird nests for basking sites and can prey on eggs and young birds. The turtles carry pathogens and diseases that can kill native turtles and other aquatic wildlife.
This species has been found in South East Queensland including Bundaberg and are believed to be eradicated from these areas. Mature turtles are aggressive and can bite.
Control involves netting of waterways, drainage of small waterbodies and detector dogs.