DT News reports that at least five Chinatown stores openly and illegally sell turtles in Los Angeles Chinatown.
Public health officials say the reptiles known as red-headed sliders carry salmonella and are a danger to public health.
“It’s illegal for these stores to be selling these turtles,” said Andrew Hughan, a spokesman for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
He says they are particularly dangerous when they are smaller than four inches.
The salmonella can spread to humans through contact with the skin.
You can read about efforts to educate the merchants about these dangers in DT News.
