It doesnt matter if you see it, its illegal. The problem is that most people dont know. Im not trying to make you feel bad, just informing you. Youre not the one who did something illegal, the seller did. Its not wild vs captive thats the problem with small turtles, as sliders breed very easily in captivity. Its an environmental and health concern. The only reason I mention it, is that I, personally, believe that when we own animals it is important that we know every law in our federal and local government concerning that animal.I'm a little confused about the feedback on licenses the seller my daughter got our Turt from is doing something illegal and etc. but there numerous websites that sell these same turtles, about the size of a quarter, online. They are bred, not taken from the wild. Not just red-eared, but many other turtles. I'm a little confused.
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/www.newsweek.com/2015/06/12/illegal-animal-traders-have-turned-baby-red-eared-sliders-health-and-337903.html?amp=1
"Since 1975, however, selling baby turtles that are less than 4 inches long has been illegalin the U.S., because some reptiles—red-eared sliders included—can harbor salmonella on their skin. While red-eared sliders of any size can carry potentially deadly bacteria, cheap, adorable and seemingly low-maintenance baby turtles are the ones most likely to be purchased on a whim and given to very young children as pets."
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/cfrsearch.cfm?fr=1240.62
"b) Sales; general prohibition. Except as otherwise provided in this section, viable turtle eggs and live turtles with a carapace length of less than 4 inches shall not be sold, held for sale, or offered for any other type of commercial or public distribution.
(c) Exceptions. The provisions of this section are not applicable to:
(1) The sale, holding for sale, and distribution of live turtles and viable turtle eggs for bona fide scientific, educational, or exhibitional purposes, other than use as pets."