Need Turtle ID HELP

Don't know if I can get the photo to post, but I am trying to help someone identify this turtle. It was found in a yard in Northern California. To me, it definately looks aquatic. And the girl who has it is calling it a California Wood Turtle....which doesn't exist. So, just trying to get some ideas. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Kelly

Not to familiar with this species but it might be a Pacific/Western Pond turtle ( Clemmys marmorata ).

Western Pond Turtle
Clemmys marmorata
Adult female

Photograph by James Buskirk


Western Pond Turtle
Clemmys marmorata

Plastron of adult female shown above

Photograph by James Buskirk


Southwestern Pond Turtle
Clemmys marmorata pallida

Adult female from southern California

Photographs by Michael J. Connor


Southwestern Pond Turtle, Clemmys marmorata pallida Habitat
This unlikely looking hillside in Los Angeles County is habitat for possibly the last replicating population of the southwestern pond turtle west of the Santa Monica Mountains. Hatchlings and young can be found here year round in heavily shaded, deep rocky pools, like that seen on the right, whenever they contain water (note the well camouflaged, greenish yearling in the center). Introduced bullfrogs, a major predator elsewhere, are absent from the immediate vicinity, probably because of the ephemeral nature of these rock pools.

Photographs by Michael J. Connor



Clemmys marmorata
Young in habitat

Hatchling hides in scrub by a settling pond that holds one of the few extent populations on the floor of the San Joaquin Valley.

Photograph by Michael J. Connor

Clemmys marmorata
Adult in habitat

Adult Clemmys marmorata seen basking on a snag, 4 foot above the water, in a north Los Angeles County lake.

Photograph by Michael J. Connor

Related text:
Pacific Pond Turtle, Clemmys marmorata by R. B. Bury BACK TO
GALLERY

here it is

Thanks guys, I appreciate your help. It was kind of what I suspected...that this turtle would do best to be released back into a secluded stream to live out its days instead of being in captivity. Kelly

Probably would be a good idea I think they are protected in California as well as other states they are native to.

Yeah, they are protected. But I don't want to tread heavily. I think education is likely the best bet here. Problem with trying to release it now is that it is cold and the turtle has been inside all winter. It is obvious she is taking good care of it...even though it appears a little dry LOL. But looks healthy and I know that she has the best intention. If she is willing to give him to me, I can keep him inside for another month or two and release him upcountry in a year-round stream/ponds that are secluded and on BLM land. There are others up there just like him...dunno, maybe that isn't a good idea either. But it doesn't sound like he should go back to the exact location he came from. Kelly

Sounds like a good plan I would probably do the same thing. Try to get your friend to do an aquatic set up same as for a Redear or Painted turtle etc... Good luck and enjoy.......