<P> Red - eared sliders do not hibernate, but actually brumate; while they become less active, they do occasionally rise to the surface for food or air . Brumation can occur to varying degrees . In the wild, red - eared sliders brumate over the winter at the bottoms of ponds or shallow lakes . They generally become inactive in October, when temperatures fall below 10 ° C (50 ° F). During this time, the turtles enter a state of sopor, during which they do not eat or defecate, they remain nearly motionless, and the frequency of their breathing falls . Individuals usually brumate underwater, but they have also been found under banks and rocks, and in hollow stumps . In warmer winter climates, they can become active and come to the surface for basking . When the temperature begins to drop again, however, they quickly return to a brumation state . Sliders generally come up for food in early March to as late as the end of April . </P> <P> During brumation, T. s . elegans can survive anaerobically for weeks, producing ATP from glycolysis . The turtle's metabolic rate drops dramatically, with heart rate and cardiac output dropping by 80% to minimise energy requirements . The lactic acid produced is buffered by minerals in the shell, preventing acidosis . Red - eared sliders kept captive indoors should not brumate . </P> <P> Courtship and mating activities for red - eared sliders usually occur between March and July, and take place under water . During courtship, the male swims around the female and flutters or vibrates the back side of his long claws on and around her face and head, possibly to direct pheromones towards her . The female swims toward the male and, if she is receptive, sinks to the bottom for mating . If the female is not receptive, she may become aggressive towards the male . Courtship can last 45 minutes, but mating takes only 10 minutes . </P> <P> On occasion, a male may appear to be courting another male, and when kept in captivity may also show this behaviour towards other household pets . Between male turtles, it could be a sign of dominance and may preclude a fight . Young turtles may carry out the courtship dance before they reach sexual maturity at five years of age, but they are unable to mate . </P>

When is mating season for red eared slider turtles