Help identify this turtle

Factual Questions
1

Previous tenants left it in the backyard when they moved out. I need to try to arrange help for it.

Is it a land or water turtle?

Thanks

2

Where are you?

3

Santa Maria CA

4

Looks like a tortoise (i.e. land animal) to me. But I’m no expert.

5

Can you provide a rough idea of its size?

6

Does it have a red patch behind its eye?

7

I think it’s about 5 or 6" long. I’m not in possession of it right now - I’m at work - so not sure about the patch

8

From the coloring and shell shape, I’m guessing Red Eared Slider. Does it have a red stripe near its eyes? These turtles are commonly sold as pets and are considered invasive in CA because they compete with native Western Pond Turtles.

9

So it’s water turtle?

10

If its a Slider, yes

11

I was just going to say - Red-eared slider.

12

Slightly off topic, but if you are interested in Chelonians, this guy:

has some fun videos.

13

Follow up - I went over and confirmed it was a Red-eared Slider. These assholes had left it in a small yard with only DG, concrete and a few succulents. No water. Anyway, I took it to a reptile rescue place.

14

Good on you. :+1:

15

Thank you for the happy ending!

16

You get a prize for that. And Mother Nature would like to have a word with asshole who did that.

Good on you!!! :trophy:

17

Thanks guys, I know it was just a turtle but I couldn’t bear to think of it suffering.