These turtles are social and tend to be found in big groups, especially when basking in the sun. Red eared sliders do not burrow for warmth and instead rely solely on basking to increase their body temperature.
Hatchling sliders exhibit two unique traits. Upon hatching, the young will remain in the nest for up to ten months, building their strength and energy. They are also able to supercool their body fluids, allowing them to survive temperatures as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit (-4 degreed Celsius).
A popular pet in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, red-eared sliders have been introduced to nearly every continent as a direct result of the release of unwanted pets. These turtles require a long-term commitment, as they can live 30 to 40 years.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the red-eared slider population as Least Concern due to the widespread distribution of this species, ability to live within a wide range of habitats, and large population. Least Concern populations are those that are unlikely to become extinct in the near future.