This turtle was recently found at Kanwal on the Central Coast of NSW Australia. A native of Mexico, it is one of the most invasive pests in the world.
Wyong Shire Council’s Noxious Weeds and Pest Officer, Paul Marynissen, said it was against the law to keep red-eared sliders without a permit, but they were found in the illegal pet trade, despite serious Federal penalties, including fines of up to $110,000.
“If they escape or are released into the wild, they breed quickly and aggressively take over waterways from native turtle species,” Mr Marynissen said. Wyong Mayor Bob Graham echoed the concern by urging anyone who saw a red-eared slider turtle to report the sighting to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service on 4972 9000 or Wyong Shire Council on 4350 1690
Photo and text courtesy of Central Coast Advocate newspaper. Read the full article
