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Red-eared Terrapin


Britain’s inland waterways were a safer place for bird eggs and insect larvae before these reptiles came along.

Although originally native to Britain around 8000 years ago, the Red-Eared Terrapin has returned, transported from the USA as pets during the ‘Ninja Turtles’ cartoon craze of the 1980s.

They can live for 25 years, and are often dumped in the wild when they grow too big or their owner gets bored. However, not only does this cause a problem for local wildlife, it also has a detrimental effect on the terrapins themselves, who are not used to the damp British climate. Although mostly aquatic, the Red-eared Terrapin needs to be able to bask in the sun on hot days.

Despite the bad reputation, the Red-Eared Terrapin is probably one of Britain’s least invasive species, as it is unlikely to breed. Our hostile climate fails to provide the warm temperatures needed to incubate their eggs, and also makes it difficult for terrapins to survive for long in the wild.

Find more information on terrapins

Last updated: 22/10/2008