Newbe looking for advice

[Printerfixer]

I pulled a tortoise out of the floodwaters here in Centerville over the weekend. He seems to be recovering ok from the trauma but his shell looks to be broken on the underside. Firstly, I’m looking for a local vet that someone can recommend. Secondly I’d like to adopt it but I’m not sure what the rules are in Tennessee about keeping wildlife. Your input is appreciated.

 

[TeamZissou]

What you have is an Eastern Box Turtle. I believe they are illegal to take from the wild in TN.

Can you post a photo of the bottom of the shell showing the broken part? This species has a hinge on the bottom, which could perhaps look like a broken section at first glance.

If nothing ends up being wrong, the only thing to do is release it near where you found it.

 

[ZenHerper]

That's an Eastern Box Turtle.

Post photos of the plastron (bottom shell) for opinions...box turtles have a hinged plastron that allows the shell to close completely.

Box turtle populations are in decline in Tennessee...if she is uninjured, she should be returned to the wild. Contact the wildlife department for specific legal information:

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency - TN.gov

Home page for the State of Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Buy your hunting and fishing license online here.

www.tn.gov

lol *buys @TeamZissou a c*ke!*

 

[Printerfixer]

What you have is an Eastern Box Turtle. I believe they are illegal to take from the wild in TN.

Can you post a photo of the bottom of the shell showing the broken part? This species has a hinge on the bottom, which could perhaps look like a broken section at first glance.

If nothing ends up being wrong, the only thing to do is release it near where you found it.

 

[Printerfixer]

THANK YOU . That’s exactly what it is. A hinge. Oh well, I guess we’ll let it have one more night to recuperate then bid him/her farewell.

 

[Yvonne G]

Welcome!

 

[jeff kushner]

Hope you and your family is safe and dry, you guys really got hammered. While Box turtles LoVE water and swimming, he likely had one heck of a night so you are my "hero of the day" for giving him, a weary traveler some rest and food!

jeff