Marginated Tortoises in California

[GimmeABreak]

Greetings! I'm new so please bare with me. I live in Wisconsin, but someday, I might move to California. I bought my baby Marginated Tortoise about 9 months ago (also in Wisconsin) and I still have the papers from the sale. My question is this: Can I bring her to California with me or is she illegal there? If she's illegal, is there anything I can do about it? I've asked in other forums and no one can answer this. Your help will be much appreciated. (Sorry if this is posted in the wrong area.)

 

[parrotlady]

As far as I know marginates are not illegal to own in California. No documentation is required to travel with her. I would always keep her papers handy if in fact they ever change the laws.

 

[bouaboua]

Welcome to California! ! ! !We also welcomes your marginated tortoise.

I believe @Yvonne G have better understanding of this kind of things.

 

[GimmeABreak]

Awesome! Thanks everyone! I was so worried that I'd have to leave her behind if I found a job out there. Now I can rest easy. I hope you guys don't mind if I ask one more thing. I had to remove the aspen snake bedding from her terrarium because she was eating it. What bedding is safe to use?

 

[leigti]

Coconut coir would work. If they eat it it is supposed to pass right through. But let's see what some experienced marginated tortoise keepers say.

 

[Gillian M]

A very warm welcome to the forum.

 

[Yvonne G]

It is ok to bring your marginated tortoise with you to California. Just keep the paperwork handy in case there are any check-points at the state borders. They're usually more worried about food at the check-points though.

 

[Tom]

Marginated tortoises require no permits and are legal to possess or transfer anywhere in the continental US. Hawaii won't let you bring it, but you are good everywhere else.

Orchid bark is mt substrate of choice for older Testudo species, but once you are here, your tortoises can live outside in the dirt most of the time.