I was driving home when I spotted a turtle crossing the street (it was in the other lane). Worried for it's safety, I pulled over and grabbed him/her. I took the turtle home intending on releasing it somewhere safer, since this turtle was randomly walking an active country street pretty far from any bodies of water (to my knowledge). Turns out it's a Red-Eared Slider and it's illegal to own, sell, buy, or release one out into the wild since it's an invasive species here in Oregon and endangers the native species.
I called my local pet sanctuary to see what I should do next, since my plan to release him at any of my nearby lakes/marshes is out the door. They said they can't take him (which I figured) and I should call Oregon Fishing and Wildlife. The didn't pick up. Called again, left a message saying I have a Red-Eared Slider and need some guidance on what to do with it, never got a call back. Called a third time to realize they close after 5:00 pm.
So now I'm stuck with this boring, albeit cute turtle who I have no real idea how to take care of. I have no intention of keeping this guy since he's probably wild (and it's illegal?), but I'm guessing I'll have to house him for a day until I can try and contact the OF&W.
So what should I do? Should I make a temporary terrarium for him out using a 45 gallon tank I have (which I know is too small for this guy), should I just let him chill in the bathtub for a night? I honestly don't know, since a majority of resources I find on how to take care of Red-Eared Sliders assume I'm setting up them for a permanent residence, which I'm not. Anyways I guess I'm looking for the least detrimental route to go about dealing with this guy, and any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
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from Pets https://www.reddit.com/r/Pets/comments/bosmth/what_do_i_do_with_this_turtle/
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