Wildlife Around Las Vegas
There are three species of turtles to expect around Las Vegas; one is a native land turtle (Desert Tortoise), one is a native water turtle (Spiny Softshell), and one is a non-native aquatic turtle (Red-eared Slider). Desert tortoises are listed as a federally Threatened Species, so they are protected under the Endangered Species Act. If you find one in the desert, make sure it doesn't get hurt (e.g., crossing a highway), but otherwise leave them alone. Look for the other turtles in ponds around the area. Red-ears are widely kept as pets, but if you have a pet turtle, please do not release it into native ponds or streams outside of town. If you must release your pet, let it go in a neighborhood pond (e.g., Sunset Pond) in town where it will not affect wild ecosystems.
| Photo | Taxonomy | Species |
|---|---|---|
 |
Land Tortoises (Testudinidae) | Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) |
 |
Softshell Turtles (Trionychidae) | Texas Softshell (Trionyx spiniferus emoryi) Spiny Softshell (Trionyx spiniferus) |
 |
Pond Sliders (Emydidae) | Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) Pond Slider (Trachemys scripta) |
| Photo | Taxonomy | Species |
|---|---|---|
 |
Land Tortoises (Testudinidae) | Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) |
 |
Land Tortoises (Testudinidae) | Lonesome George, Pinta Island Tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra abingdoni) |
 |
Pond Sliders (Emydidae) | Big Bend Slider (Trachemys gaigeae) Florida Red-bellied Cooter (Pseudemys nelsoni) |
 |
Pond Sliders (Emydidae) | Desert Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata luteola) Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata) |
 |
Snapping Turtles (Chelydridae) | Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) |
Note: All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.
; Last updated 240221
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