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North American red-eared slider turtles are spreading in the Sydney region, threatening native turtle populations by competing for food and nesting sites.

They are considered one of the world’s worst invasive species of waterways, breeding rapidly and carrying exotic diseases. They can spread salmonella bacteria to people, pets and other animals. Unlike native turtles they are also aggressive and will bite if handled.

Hundreds have been found so far in the Sydney basin and DPI is using trained detection Springer Spaniels to search for them.

The turtles have been illegally imported, and the sale or keeping of them is illegal. As a reflection of the biosecurity risks it presents, the red-eared slider turtle is classified as a Prohibited Dealing under the Biosecurity Act 2015. It is an offence to keep this species unless authorised, for example under the Exhibited Animals Protection Act 1986 or Animal Research Act 1985. In 2020 NSW DPI officers found 90 red-eared slider turtles and two alligator snapping turtles being illegally kept in one backyard in Sydney’s south-west. A Milperra man was convicted but the fine was just $4950 plus DPI’s investigative costs which totalled $2405.72.

For more information including how to identify, go to this link.

The public is are advised that if you see one, call DPI on 1800 680 244.

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