RED EARED SLIDER TURTLE
These turtles spend most of their time in ponds and streams. However, because they are ectotherms - meaning they get their energy from the sun - they come out every once in a while to bask in the sunlight. During the winter time when there is less sunlight, these turtles sink to the bottom of their habitat and become inactive, eating sparingly. This is called brumation and is very similar to hibernation. Due to their strong legs and webbed feet, Red Eared Slider Turtles are very good swimmers and can hold their breath underwater for long periods.

Creation of the above page of educational resources was funded in part by the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program through the Departments of Natural Resources, Environmental Quality, and Agricultural and Rural Development.
This material is also based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1614187.
Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
This material is also based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1614187.
Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.