Red-eared Slider
Trachemys scripta elegans
How did this Red-eared Slider end up in a pond at the Gilbert Riparian Preserve? Likely it was released after serving as a child's pet. Maricopa Co., Arizona, Feb. 2009.
Emydidae - Terrapin Turtle Family
Red-eared Sliders have become common in artificial ponds and damned reservoirs in the Sonoran Desert through release of captive pets. Native to the southeastern United States, their release here could have undesirable consequences.