Invasive pet turtles dumped in Wascana Lake continue to spark concern
Research team find more invasive red-eared sliders around lake and marsh
Certain breeds of turtles in Canada are better off in the tank, according to a Regina researcher.
A team of turtle scientists in Regina has spotted more red-eared slider turtles in the marsh around Wascana Lake.
The breed is non-native to Canada and has overwhelmed ecosystems in Ontario and British Columbia. It's sold in stores as a household pet and can live up to thirty years in captivity.
"People buy like small, cute little hatchlings at the pet store and they don't realize how much of a long-term commitment they are," said turtle researcher Kelsey Marchand.
Marchand said the team has spotted about six red sliders so far, and she's concerned because it appears that people are letting their pets go into the lake when they don't want them anymore.
Our human nature is to think to release it back to nature, which is good in our minds but in reality isn't such a good idea.- Kelsey Marchand, researcher
"Our human nature is to think to release it back to nature, which is good in our minds but in reality isn't such a good idea," Marchand said.
The turtles are known to outcompete native species for habitats and resources, according to Marchand.
That could be a problem for the lake's ecosystem, although Marchand said there is a good chance the turtles won't survive the harsh Saskatchewan winter.