Other Turtle Discussion :: Wild turtles?

[Carrieluvsturtles]

I have a question for everyone. We have a pond area in our town and there are tons of painted turtles. Is it wrong to take one home, raise it and keep it as a pet? Has anyone else gotten there turtles from the wild?

[Kemul]

I'd suggest leaving the wild turtles wild. If you want a new turtle, consider asking
your local adoption center or people not wanting their turtles anymore.

[Emily!]

My turtle was wild caught 7 years ago. My dad's friend caught it while he was fishing, and decided to give it to us. He lived in a bucket for a couple days, then in a horse tank, then a 30 gallon aquarium. He was probably very stressed and confused for a very long time. After 7 years though, he has gotten used to us, but is still very aggressive when it comes to picking him up. If you capture a wild turtle, it most likely will not be as docile and friendly as a domesticated-born turtle, and will probably not see their owner as anything other than a food source.

[coreyvht]

i would why not lots,of people do that get a baby though then it wont be so wild

[BullDog]

In some states/provinces/countries it is illegal to take animals from the wild. Be sure you are aware of the law in your area.

That said, I personally don't think it's necessary to take animals from the wild, especially native species (like the painteds probably are). Taking a RES from the wild is a little bit different, since they are an invasive species, and probably don't belong there in the first place.

All the same, like Kemul said, there's probably a reptile rescue in your area that is filled with unwanted, captive turtles that would love for you to give them a home.

[seano997]

I agree on checking with adoption centers. I wouldn't take a turtle from the wild due to possible dieseases it might have (if any) and because, well, it's wild. The only time I might take a turtle from the wild is if it is injured in someway.

[theartbook35]

There are plenty of painted turtles in pet stores that are used to being in captivity and are very healthy. Taking an wild animal from it's home is a very frightening thing for that turtle, and in my opinion, very ignorant. How would you like it if someone just took you out of your home and put you somewhere else without your permission?

A wild caught turtle most likely will not feel safe around you, will not want to be handled, and may only rely on you for food and that's it.

I do agree with Bulldog about taking an RES from the wild to keep as pet. In Pennsylvania, RES are invasive, and it's better to rescue them from the wild than leave them there. Not only do they harm the environment they are in, but there are people in Penn. who catch RES and have them frozen to death to "deal" with the problem. So, if RES are invasive in your area, do them a favor and rescue them.