Habitat - Outdoor :: Releasing Into The Wild?

[jim007]

Can a redearslider be released into a controlled pond with other turtles in the northeast area?

[steve]

What do you mean by controlled pond? I'd say NO to ever releasing captive turtles and the northeast is out of their native range. There are a few other options out there, but releasing them is never a humane option.

[missibsu]

Not only do you risk the death of your turtle, but you are introducing a new species to an area that it isn't native. This changes the entire environment, and although you may not see the effects in your lifetime, it doens't mean that it won't happen. If you are looking for alternate housing, have you considered using a preformed pond inside? or a stock tank even. If you don't wish to care for your turt anymore, have you considered adoption by a willing party? Simply not recommended.

[tissigirl]

I have been curious about something. Is it possible to release a turtle that has been captive for many years back in to the wild? That is if it is in their natural territory and habitat.

[fishandcandy]

Releasing captive turtles is not recommended.
It can be dangerous for the turtle and the environment.

[marisa]

A controlled pond as in a wildlife sanctuary, park, zoo?

RES are hardy turtles, but are not native to the northeast, and releasing them into the wild would subject them to living conditions they were not meant to endure (winters), and most likely wouldn't.

By "other turtles," do you mean other RES? If not, and if by other turtles you mean a native population, introducting a non-native species has in some cases decimated local populations in other areasnof the country.

If you have a RES that you can't/don't want to care for any longer, a better option would be to find a turtle rescue operation or rehoming agency and give your turtle to them.

[jim007]

Thank-You for your response, I was considering releasing my RES to a private pond located in a cemetary populated by painted turtles and ducks. I hesitated, unsure if this was the right thing to do, but given the harshness of winter probably not a good idea...

[steve]

The N.E. winters would be tough on a captive turtle. Definitely look into a rescue or rehoming agency. Good luck!

[jim007]

Steve,
Thanks for the response my schedule doesn't allow me a lot of time to check and respond back. Can you recommend anyone?

[marisa]

You are in MA? Look up Mass Turtle Rescue www.maturtlerescue.org I will say that they aren't eager to take in RES but may be able to suggest something. Look also at www.turtlehomes.org which has a national network.

[jim007]

Thank-You!