I found a tortoise in my yard

Jo Anna

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Hi,
I am new here. I found a new friend in my yard, not sure what type exactly. I am glad to see there is a forum to learn about this guy/gal. I live in Sacramento, CA. Can anyone tell me what type of turtle this is? I have read a few posts and it looks like I may need a permit, if it goes unclaimed. Can anyone lend a helping eye? Also so I can give proper habitat. Thanks in advance.

Jo Anna

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wellington

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Hello and Welcome. Can you post a pic of the face and front and the bottom shell. @Yvonne G may be able to help. If it's a cdt you may need to leave it where you found it.
 

Yvonne G

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Nope, no permit required. You have a non-native red ear slider, a water turtle. If you don't want to set up a little pond for the turtle, then call a rescue, but DO NOT release it back outside. It is illegal to do so. Felice Rood is in Sacramento. She runs a rescue and a turtle club. Felice - 916 421-1134
 

Yvonne G

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I forgot to mention that water turtles can't swallow food unless they are submerged in water. A good offering would be worms, dead fish, crickets, etc.
 

Millerlite

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It's a big RES they are a type of pond turtle. As mentioned above. Do not release and they need access to water and a fairly big swimming area by the size of it

Kyle
 

Jo Anna

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So I will admit, I'm a chicken to pick him up. BUT, when my son gets home, I will have him moved. Here is a picture of his head...some. He is where I cant sneak up on him easy. It's she'll isn't like my other RES...but they are TINY compared to this guy. I will have to go get a kiddie pool to set him up. Any tips for setting him up outside? Mine I bought when they were too tiny to legally buy and are in a 55gal tank...this guy is obviously too big for a tank. Thanks again.

image.jpeg
 
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Millerlite

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Younger RES have more latter and they get darker as they get older. Most do anyways. It's shell does look like a RES but maybe it's a different type of slider.... Its hard to tell without better pictures of the head and limbs

Kyle
 

Tidgy's Dad

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Gorgeous turtle.
Good to know you've experience with the species and will set him up well.
Good luck
 

KaitlinKeefe_

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Welcome if you look in the aquatic turtle section youll find all the info you need!
 

Yvonne G

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I'm so used to people turning in wild red ear sliders, that I sometimes forget that people actually have them in their ponds too. So I apologize for neglecting to say, "Make fliers and tack them up on the utility poles in your neighborhood telling of your 'found' turtle. Also, place a found ad on craigslist and in the newspaper."
 

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