I had several red-eared sliders in my science lab over the years. This is Myrtle the turtle! Red-eared sliders are not indigenous to Georgia and are considered an invasive species. When they grew too big for my tank, the pet store would rehome them for me.

While walking on the greenway, I came across some sliders sunning themselves on a log. They appear to be yellow-bellied sliders. Reptiles are cold-blooded which means they use sunlight to help regulate their body temperature. UV rays also produce vitamin D3 and process calcium which keeps the turtles’ bones and shells healthy. If they are too hot, they just slide back into the water. In my science lab, I had both a heat lamp and a UV light on my turtle tank.

The next day, I discovered these turtles basking in the sun at a community park.

Look closely at the shell of this turtle. Looks like he is shedding his scutes.