Does it get really cold at night in your valley? I know that in some areas of central and Southern California, it can be up to a buck twenty during the day and near freezing at night. I wouldn't risk keeping a three toed outside in that climate.

You might consider building some artificial burrows and starting a group of desert box turtles, "Terrapene ornate luteola". They are very hardy, rewarding to work with, and should do well in your area.

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