A Florida turtle was found on Saturday, September 12, 2026, by the gendarmes of the Manche department while walking in Val-Saint-Père, a small commune in the Manche region of northern France. The turtle, likely a red-eared slider, is an exotic species commonly kept as a pet in many parts of the world. These turtles are known for their vibrant colors and are popular in the pet trade, but they can become problematic when released into the wild. Red-eared sliders are native to the southeastern United States but have been introduced to many other countries, including France. In their non-native environments, they can outcompete local species for food and habitat, leading to ecological imbalances. As a result, they are considered invasive species in many regions outside their native range. The gendarmes, upon discovering the turtle, contacted the French Office for Biodiversity, an organization responsible for protecting and managing France's natural heritage. The office works to prevent the spread of invasive species and to manage the impact they may have on local ecosystems. The turtle was taken into custody to ensure it would not pose a threat to the local environment. This incident highlights the growing concern over the introduction of non-native species into new environments, often due to the release of pets. Conservationists and wildlife authorities continue to warn the public about the potential consequences of releasing exotic animals into the wild, emphasizing the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for proper disposal of unwanted animals.