hello

[vmg]

hello everyone im "v" from Houston I found this site looking for answers about a turtle I found in my yard. maybe one of you all can help me out.

 

[tortadise]

Welcome! Looks like a gulf coast box turtle.

 

[mctlong]

Welcome to the forum, V !

 

[wellington]

Hello and Welcome if its native to your area you should let it be, unless it were sick and needed help.

 

[vmg]

Welcome! Looks like a gulf coast box turtle.

hello and thanks for replying. if it is in fact the gulf Coast box turtle can it be a pet should I keep it or let it go?

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi V, and welcome to the Forum!

I think it's a very colorful 3-toe box turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis). Count the toes on the back feet. If there are 4 on each back foot then Tortadise (Kelly) is correct, but if there are only 3 then I have identified the turtle correctly.

If either of these species of turtle are native to where you live, there are more than likely laws governing the taking them from the wild. You will need to contact the governing agency to find out. Fish and wildlife department or some such.

 

[tortoise_man1]

Hello, welcome to the Forum

 

[vmg]

Hi V, and welcome to the Forum!

I think it's a very colorful 3-toe box turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis). Count the toes on the back feet. If there are 4 on each back foot then Tortadise (Kelly) is correct, but if there are only 3 then I have identified the turtle correctly.

If either of these species of turtle are native to where you live, there are more than likely laws governing the taking them from the wild. You will need to contact the governing agency to find out. Fish and wildlife department or some such.

THANKS FOR BEING SO HELPFUL