Trachemys scripta or the red-eared slider is an invasive species in the urban wetlands of Latvia – Lithuania. The natural area of origin of these turtles is in North America in the Mississippi basin and the Gulf of Mexico region.

These animals arrived in Latvia as pets that either escaped accidentally or were intentionally released into the wild. The red-eared slider is considered one of the worst invasive species in the world. It is more aggressive and active than the native European pond turtle, so it is important to ensure the restriction of the invasive species population in time.