Tortoise/Turtle help, please!?

Question

This afternoon, I found a turtle/tortoise(?) in my front yard. I live in Southern California, near the beach and about a five-minute walk from a river and wildlife preserve.

How can I tell what kind of reptile I have found? Are there any websites with pictures of turtles/tortoises native to California? Are there websites that talk about what kind of food I can give it or what kind of habitat I need to put it into? How can I tell if it is a male or female?

Answers to any of these questions would be greatly appreciated, especially links to informative, preferredly legitimate websites. Thank you!

Answer 1

You need to put it back if you don't know what you are doing.

For one, you can kill a desert tortoise if that's what it is by picking it up. If it urinates, it will lose it's hydration stores that way. It may also stress being in captivity, especially if you don't know anything about caring for reptiles, and it may refuse to eat.

Another good reason to put it back is that California Fish and Game Dept. regulates ALL wildlife native to Ca. and it is illegal to remove or keep ANY wildlife without PERMIT.

This is a wild animal which has probably survived in the wild for a decade or several decades even on it's own. Yet, if you as an inexperienced person try to keep it and learn about turtles on it, you will probably kill it in a few months. Please let it go so it can keep turtle or tortoise populations up. The loss of just one to an area has devestating consequences for the wild populations in that area.

If not for the mere illegality of keeping it, then let it go if you care about it's life more than you do having an ornamental piece or "toy" to bring you pleasure. It will not be "happier" with you than in the wild, trust me. I would also think that your first concern might be to contact someone at the wildlife preserve, as it is called a "preserve" for a reason, and this animal may be of importance to their population efforts or studies in the area. I mean...I'm just sayin'.

Answer 2

If it has webbed feet it's a turtle, if it has elephant type feet it's a tortoise. Western pond turtles are native to CA as are Desert torts, however all turtles/torts in CA are protected by law and not allowed to be taken from the wild. Best all around to bring that turtle back to the preserve or call a local rehabber or Fish & Wildlife to find out the best course. Don't try to keep it. If you want a turtle/tort for a pet contact one of the many turtle rescues. There are several in the US and a few right in CA. I can send you links if you want them.
Julie, Director
Turtle Rescue of Long Island

Answer 3

The most honest thing I can say is to release it where you found it. Or in the nearby reserve, because that's where it probably came from. It's probably a desert tortoise. There are very few water turtles in California. If it has a domed shell and stumpy like feet than it is a tortoise.

Answer 4

first off if the turtle/tortoise has stumpy legs then it's a tortoise. if it has sort of flat legs it is a turtle. and here is a website that can help http://www.tortoise.org/general/watcare.html . another place to look is the library for a turtles or tortoises for dummies. real simple easy. and just b/c you read one doesn't mean you are a dummy it just means you want to learn and you're no expert. ;D oh and males ususally have a line toward the bottom of the lower shell and females don't. have fun

Answer 5

Turtles diets are fairly similar but I would discover the type you found first. Keep in mind that it may not be a native turtle due to the fact that many turtles get too big and are released into the wild. This may be the offspring of one of these turtles and not necissarily a native rep. Keep your options open. And remember just because you didn't find it in water doesn't mean it's not a water turtle.

Answer 6

As usual, Madkins have given you great advice! When you do determine what kind of turtle/tortoise he is, go on line to animal control, and check the pet ordinances in your area. Claifornia has some very strict laws when it comes to turtles and tortoise's. It may be in your best interest as well as the turtles/ tortoise for you to return it to the wild.

Answer 7

http://www.tortoise.org is the website for the California Turtle and Tortoise Club- helpful people!

http://www.austinstutlepage.com World of Turtles gallery, care pages, etc.

This page shows a photo of most of the native Calif. turtles: http://www.californiaherps.com/turtles/turtlespics.html

As for male/female. etc.- http://www.austinsturtlepage.com has a TON of helpful articles!

Answer 8

Try www.tortoise.org/ This is the california turtle and tortoise club

Answer 9

Take it to a reptile store (not petco or petsmart those people are idiots). They can probably tell you exactly what you have and exactly how to care for it.