Experts offer tips on adopting turtles

American Tortoise Rescue, a nonprofit turtle and tortoise rescue based in Malibu, has a large number of water turtles available for adoption.Called redeared sliders because of the red stripe next to their eyes, these are the most common turtles given up for adoption.

"People get tiny green turtles in a plastic carrying case with an artificial palm tree at street fairs, pet stores, mercados and as prizes at carnivals," said Susan Tellem, the rescue's founder.

"Unfortunately, no one tells the potential owner that these turtles grow to be anywhere from 6 to 12 inches long and live 25 years or more, instead of staying that cute little quarter size." Anywhere from 90 to 95 percent die within a year because owners are ill-informed by sellers.

According to Tellem, the people selling or giving away these turtles are breaking a federal law in place since 1974 and carrying a $1,000 fine.The law was enacted to prevent children from putting turtles in their mouths and exposing themselves to salmonella, which many of the turtles carry.

The law makes it illegal to sell any turtle or tortoise under 4 inches long in the U.S., butit is poorly enforced.Tellem said many animal control officers and wildlife officials aren't aware of the law. "Some pet store owners defy

the law," she said.”This is a miserable situation for both the turtle and the child who holds it and gets salmonella, which can cause serious illness or even kill a child. Both suffer."

Tellem encourages anyone who sees small turtles being sold or given away to report it to the police or to animal control. If all else fails, go to www.tortoise.com and send an e-mail giving the date, time and location of the vendor.

Tellem said the best situation for sliders is a private pond, real or artificial.Tanks are miserable for such wild animals. Some people use plastic horse troughs or plastic swimming pools, but the sides have to be high enough so that the turtles cannot escape, and they need to be protected from predators like raccoons.

Since turtles can live 25 years or more, adoption is a true commitment.Tellem said that many of the rescue's sliders have names and are very personable. Some will even eat out of one's hand.

"We recommend homes without small children and dogs," she said.”Children forget to wash their hands.Schools are an absolute 'no' for this reason." Tellem said that dogs think turtles are chew toys, sometimes leading to painful and debilitating injuries to the turtles.

For more information or for an adoption form, please e-mail info@tortoise.com or visit the website at www.tortoise.com.