is it a gopher tortoise

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colinsmith

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this looks like a gopher tortoise but where not sure we found it in our yard so we put it in a big container

i need the awnser as soon as possible
 

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Angi

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He looks a little like my Ca Desrt Torts. Where do you live(area)? Someone was be worried sick unles you live where he could be wild. He is adorable!
 

egyptiandan

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Yes it is a Gopher tortoise, Gopherus polyphemus. Now you need to let it back go in your yard. :D

Danny
 

Yvonne G

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Hi Colin:

I believe the gopher tortoise is a protected species in Florida. I'm not up on the regulations, however, it is probably illegal for you to bring the baby inside. Do you live in a rural area? Is there a wildlife expert you can call to find out what to do with the baby?
 

Yvonne G

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Well, if you're in a rural area, and not in a city, then I would just do what Danny suggested and place the baby safely under a bush outside where he can be free.
 

colinsmith

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thx we allready realeased him but there is a ghopher tortoise hole near us do you think we should put it there fyi we havent seen the mother/dad for a long time
 

Shelly

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yes, release him near the burrow. That way he will have a safe place to sleep at night away from dogs and other predators.
 

Kristina

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Tortoises don't care for their babies, so it is fine that you haven't seen a parent. Just put the little one near the hole. Then let him do his thing. They have good instincts and he will know what to do.
 
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Maggie Cummings

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And thanks for trying to help him. I sure wish I could see a wild tortoise in my yard!
 

lavender25

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Hi there,

Colin is my son, and yes we did set the little guy outside. amongst much weeping and wailing from the kids we put him by the bushes in our yard. he hung around for a day but we have not seen him since. I hope he will stick around I want to watch him grow.

And finding him has sparked a love for tortoises. We have made plans to get a red footed tortoise in sept when the next reptile fair comes to town. In the meantime we will be doing our research, and i will probably have many questions.
Thanks for your help
 

Yvonne G

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Hi Lavender25:

I may have already sent a welcome your way as Colinsmith, but I don't know if you're two people or one with two names, so here goes again:

Welcome to the forum!!
 
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