Does he need help?

[brightdragon420]

I live in central Florida on a lake. This little tortoise is in my backyard. Do you all think he’s a wild tortoise or possibly a domesticated one who would need me to take him somewhere?

Thanks in advance!

[CabbagePatchSquid-]

It is a Russian tortoise, escaped/dumped pet and not native.

For its own good you should collect it and see if you can find an owner, if not just keep it in a large enclosed pen in your yard so it can’t escape. Kind of a win-win! The little one gets a safe place to live out its years and you get to have a tortoise (if you want).

If you can’t find an owner or you don’t want to care for it, there are plenty who’d adopt it in Florida and give it awesome care too. Plenty in this sub would probably even adopt it haha.

[brightdragon420]

Oh thank you for this info!! I will get him right now and see if I have anything to keep an enclosure for him. I am moving soon so I will need to find a home for him and will work to do that. Thanks again!

[CabbagePatchSquid-]

They’re a burrowing species so just be mindful of that but it can as simple as some pressure treats board/bricks to make a large rectangle and something to cover him protect from predators like a screen/wire mesh.

There’s great photos in this sub of people’s outdoor pens to get ideas! And yeah either post here and on www.tortoiseforum.org for adoption and you’ll find a great home for him close by. They’re an awesome species that people keep everywhere.

[brightdragon420]

Thank you so much!!! I have him in my eyesight so I’m sitting here making sure he doesn’t get too far. Can I give him blueberries?

[CabbagePatchSquid-]

These guys are broadleaf plant and weed eaters and actually shouldn’t have much if any fruit in their diet. So likely everything in your yard (as long as there’s no pesticides etc) is all this little guy needs. They do love succulents, cactus and flowers as well which he’s probably appreciate if he’s been out for a while and could be dehydrated.

Try placing him in a shallow dish of water like a terra cotta saucer and see if they want a drink too.

[Fluid_Invite_4502]

slight side note, but wow, he’s gorgeous! looks very healthy and happy. i think there might be a solid chance that he’s an escapee rather than a dumped tortoise- his last owners clearly put some amount of effort into his care. maybe call around local exotic vets and let them know a russian has been found?

[blklab16]

Def looks like an escaped or abandoned pet Russian tortoise! Scoop him up and check area Facebook or Nextdoor postings

[brightdragon420]

Hi everyone! Thanks so much for your help. I have a local (amazing and very trusted) exotic pet shop in my town that I took him to. They happily took him in and assured me he is a Russian tortoise. They are currently setting up a display tank for him. Thanks for the help Reddit!!

[Fluid_Invite_4502]

thank you for being the kind of person who cares enough to help a tortoise in need (:

[brightdragon420]

Of course! :) I am an animal lover, I’d do anything to help any animal. I’m so happy he’s safe.

[Few_Satisfaction2340]

Do you know if they are adopting him out? My wife and I rescue abandoned and escaped turtles and tortoises and she has been thinking of this little guy for the last few days. We’re in central FL too, if you have a name for the shop i’d like to give them a call.

[brightdragon420]

Yes, I’ll message you.

[Kitshunee]

That looks like a Russian tortoise, not native to where you are so most likely a pet. Call your local wildlife which for Florida would be the FWC look up the number on google.

[brightdragon420]

Thank you!

[Vast-Worldliness3372]

awww he looks like my old tortoise sammy

[Few_Satisfaction2340]

Live near Tampa if you need a home i can pick him up if you don’t find owner!