I found a turtle in my yard today. I'm pretty sure it is a desert tortoise How can I tell its age?

Question

Serious answers only please

Answer 1

1. In most of its range, the desert tortoise is one of the most protected animals in the US. Even picking one up MAY be considered harassing it and agasint the law. Just an FYI.

2. ESPECIALLY in tortoises, the ONLY way is to watch it be born.

3. You can get a 'good enough' reading for most purposes of curiosity by counting the rings on the belly scales, and using the most commonly found number. With a desert tortoise, you might see alternating heavy and light rings- summer and winter growth slow-downs. If you see the pattern, count each pair as one ring.

Answer 2

im not sure but the desert tortoise is a protected species i would call the dept of game&fish

Answer 3

I have 3 turtles at home. and i asked my self the same question. they told me u have 2 count the dots on their back. i counted but it did not seem 2 make sence 2 me. maybe it will 2 u.

Answer 4

it is like a tree--cut off its leg and count the rings inside.

Answer 5

cut one of the legs off and count the rings inside.....do one of the front legs tho

Answer 6

uhmmm, dont cut off its legs.

Answer 7

try asking him his age. i dont think hes shy.