can i keep a turtle if i find it in my backyard? how do i know if it is turtle or a tortoise?

Answer 1

If you have to ask these questions, its probably not a good idea for you to be keeping it.

Do you have pictures of it?

It could be an escaped pet, and if thats the case you should contact animal control and report it. If its wild, you absolutely should NOT keep it (it is a violation of federal law to do so) and should leave it where you found it or go set it free.

Answer 2

I lost my turtle recently for (4) days. I did a letterbox drop and put a sign up at the local deli. I was fortunate to have 'Marcus' who is 14 yrs old returned. I would suggest that you ring your local wildlife and fauna. They will send someone out to collect your turtle/tortoise. At least that way you can rest assured knowing you have done the right thing for fauna, wildlife and your community.

Answer 3

Can you? In many places in the US it is illegal to catch wild animals as pets under one law or another. Locally, for example, turtles are covered by fishing laws.

Should you? No. Wild caught turtles do not do well in captivity.

Answer 4

I wouldn't. believe it or not it would affect the population in your area because that one turtle could help fertilize or lay around 60-100 baby turtles! And how would you like be taken out of your house and being fed things you aren't used to eating?

Answer 5

NO! You can't take anything that is from the wild, even if it is in the backyard. ILLEGAL! You can only do that if you know if the turtle is not native in your area.

Answer 6

leave the turtle alone and go buy a nice cute baby one from the petstore their only around 25$ not that expensive

Answer 7

do you live near the ocean? and i mean very close to the ocean? tortoises only stay on the sand of the beaches, and only to bury eggs. so it is most likely a turtle. i would keep it. go to petsmart or petco to get the proper container and nursing conditions to care for your new friend.
have a good time!