I have seen those red ear slider turtles laying eggs probably 50-75 feet from a water source. We have baby red ears every year in our ponds, and the small two ponds without any LMB in them they survive well.
I've not seen where the females lay their eggs that get in our ponds. But I have seen more than once females laying their eggs not far from water near small seasonal creeks. So they must lay the eggs close enough to water so the turtle hatchlings can make their way to the water once born.
I observed one about 9" red ear slider digging out a hole with her hind legs and the hole was very moist, almost muddy. I think she was supplying the moisture but can't swear to it. I assume she then deposits the eggs in the hole and covers it up to let them hatch and the baby turtles fend for themselves and crawl to the water source. That is the way large ocean turtles do on sandy beaches.
Last edited by snrub; 04/01/17 12:30 PM.
