Concerns of a turtle takeover in Abbotsford
Posted May 27, 2013 10:16 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
ABBOTSFORD (NEWS1130) – A problem turtle is popping up in Abbotsford.
People have been releasing red-eared slider turtles into local waterways and now there is a worry it could take over the environment.
Reptile Guy Mike Hopcraft says the species has been spotted near Mill Lake. These animals are often received as gifts.
“They start out about the size of a quarter,” he explains. “When people buy them… a lot of times they’re told if they keep them in a 20-gallon aquarium, they will only grow to a small, managable size. But the reality is these turtles can grow over a foot long. And they will grow to that size, if they are fed.”
“They are extremely dirty animals and can live over 50 years,” he adds.
“So, when these turtles are released into lakes around the Lower Mainland, they become direct competition for food and nesting space of our native turtles, which are also endangered; they are called painted turtles,” notes Hopcraft.
He is taking this up with Abbotsford City Council; he hopes some sort of restriction can be brought in on the animals.
