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Telling Which Turtles Are Invasive In Neighborhood Creeks
California Outdoors 7-6-22
CO turtle
Non-native red-eared slider turtles can establish self-sustaining populations and reach high densities, and they can compete with native species for habitat and food. Photo Courtesy Simon_g/Shutterstock.com
Red-eared sliders can typically be distinguished from native western pond turtles by the thick red stripe behind each of their eyes, although some individuals lose their colorful skin and shell patterns over time and appear dark overall (melanistic).