my-splendid-splendens:

the-awkward-turt:

goherping:

Consider sharing this video somewhere people who don’t usually care for reptiles may see… just in case any of them ever run across a teeny tiny turtle and end up with something that outgrows their fishbowl and outlives their entire family.

^THISSSSSSSSSS

Seriously red eared sliders are one of
the WORST possible pets for the vast majority of people that buy them.
They are higher maintenance than any other commonly sold reptile (with
the possible exception of iguanas), they get HUGE, and they live for
DECADES. Not to mention that they are a horrible invasive species in
many places.

Red eared sliders are probably the most commonly
abused and neglected pet reptile species. They do not make good pets
for kids. They are not low maintenance in any way. If you want one think
long and hard about whether you want a pond in your house and get one
from a reptile rescue or Craigslist.

I’ve worked at PetSmart for about a year now. I’ve seen probably just short of two dozen RESs sell (we sell other turtles too).

I’ve never seen a single one of these turtles go to a good home. Ever.

Even if you can care for an RES, do not buy it from a pet store. Chances are if you buy one, it will be replaced by two. Get one as a rescue.

TL;DR: that tiny baby turns into a huge, messy animal that needs a literal pond to be healthy.