Red-eared turtles captured a lake in Zheleznovodsk

Red-eared turtles have captured Lake "30'Ka" in Zheleznovodsk (Stavropol Territory). A multiple increase in the number of reptiles was noticed during the preparation for the bathing season, said the mayor of the city Evgeny Bakulin in his social networks on Wednesday, June 4.

"It's no secret that turtles are released by former owners who get rid of pets, and such cases have been recorded in our country. They do this, believing that in the wild they will be able to quickly adapt to new conditions," said the mayor.

Information about a large number of turtles was received from divers who annually inspect the lake, writes IA StavropolMedia. According to Bakulin, the situation could become even more serious.

Red—eared turtles are an invasive species that, once in a body of water, disrupts the ecosystem and sooner or later creates a swamp out of it. Reptiles behave quite aggressively — they hunt fish, eat algae, dominate and displace other wildlife species.

Earlier, Izvestia wrote that the Russian government has re-confirmed the list of animals that are prohibited from keeping at home. Exotic animals, birds and reptiles in certain circles have long turned into status luxury items. The demand for them in the shadow market is only growing along with the price.