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C

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It's interesting that because you keep snakes that means that whenever someone has something out of the ordinary to get rid of it comes to you. Here's a perfect example. I've never owned a tort, don't think I've even touched 1 before but I've always thought they were kinda cool. Today someone at my sons busstop gave him a tortoise. I've started reading up what I can on it and from what I can tell I think it's a Sulcata. Can someone please confirm that? I'd hate to start off on the wrong foot with husbandry and feeding etc. Thanks. -Chris
 

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I am not a tortoise expert either. To me the shell pattern and color look about right for a sulcata. Do you have any side pics or pics of the legs and head?
 
More pics

Here's a few more shots.
 

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Doesn't look like a sulcatta to me. Looks more like a redfoot or yellowfoot.
I'm not all that great with tort ID's so maybe someone else can help.
Erin? :yesnod:
 
I didn't realize baby gophers were a different color than adults. Here's a couple pics of some baby gopher torts.
 

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Chris, I honestly can't tell by the pics if it's a gopher or sulcatta. Since a kid gave it to your kid at the bus stop, my guess would be that it's a gopher he found while walking to the bus stop.

If that's the case, you should release it in the same area, as it is illegal to take wild gopher torts.
 
I do not think it's a Sulcatta. The shell is much flatter than with Sulcatta babies.

If I was going to put money on it, I'd say its a yellowfoot. They are basically identical to Redfoots, except for color, and that guy sure looks like my Redfoots.

....my guess would be that it's a gopher he found while walking to the bus stop.

If that's the case, you should release it in the same area, as it is illegal to take wild gopher torts.
Click to expand...

If it is a Gopher, it may also be illegal to return it to the wild. It is here in Arizona. Once a Gopher is removed for whatever reason from the wild, it must be turned over to Fish&Game, and is then placed in an adoption program.

The reason for that is the potential for disease transmission. Gophers are very susceptible to respiratory infections which they may be exposed to in captivity, especially if there are other species of Torts kept with them. Since they have no natural defense to RIs, F&G does not want the wild population potentially exposed by reintroduction of an animal that's been held in captivity.

Chris, I think you're best bet is to take that little guy to your reptile vet and see what he says. I just can't be sure from the pics.
 
monkeywrench133 said:
If it is a Gopher, it may also be illegal to return it to the wild. It is here in Arizona. Once a Gopher is removed for whatever reason from the wild, it must be turned over to Fish&Game, and is then placed in an adoption program.

The reason for that is the potential for disease transmission. Gophers are very susceptible to respiratory infections which they may be exposed to in captivity, especially if there are other species of Torts kept with them. Since they have no natural defense to RIs, F&G does not want the wild population potentially exposed by reintroduction of an animal that's been held in captivity.
Click to expand...

Absolutely right, Erin. I figured since he had been in captivity such a short while, it would still be ok to release him. If, in fact, it turns out to be a gopher.
 
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