If somebody says that they got a new pet turtle, there’s a big chance that it’s a red-eared slider. This species is the most popular in the United States. It’s also common as a pet across the globe.

As both a highly invasive species and a wildly popular pet amongst reptile hobbyists, red-eared sliders are everywhere. Whether you’re caring for a red-eared slider as a pet or just have a few hanging ...

New York City — Bright green and viscous, Morningside Pond looks like a vat of unappealing pea soup. Styrofoam cups and plastic bags cling to the pond’s edge, bound in place by bubbles of green foam.