Please ID and advise

[kasn715]

I am in Southern California and found this tortoise wandering our street. No one has responded to our FOUND flyers and my kids are inclined to keep it. Trying to quickly gather information and would appreciate if someone would identify the type for me. Currently it is in our fenced backyard burrowed under some tall grass. Welcome any words of advice. Would just like to do right by the little guy.

Thanks very much

 

[tortdad]

We need more pictures. See if you can get some pics while it's out of its shell.

 

[Yvonne G]

It's a captive bred desert tortoise that has been kept in the house with little to no UVB and a poor diet. Desert tortoise, captive bred or not, are protected, and if you decide to keep it you will need a permit.

 

[tortdad]

That's what I was think too but wanted to see a pic of its head