Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I let my tortoise out in my front yard while i was washing my car yesterday, and in about 5 minutes when i was not watching him, he was gone. He is about 4.5 inches. I live in southern california(orange county) on a suburban street. Anyone know if he could survive this type of enviroment or have any experiences of a lost tortoise and wut happend to them? thanks.

I would call the local animal rescue and SPCA asap, that is where he will end up if someone finds him. Also post flyers on telephone poles. With an exotic people will most likely turn him in.
Good luck

This is the reason we build pens for our tortoises. For one so small even a welded wire top and sides pushed down into the grass would have kept it from quickly wandering away. I'm guessing that you already feel guilty for looking the other way even for a few minutes. But that's all it takes for them to disappear and blend in with the shade, leaves or whatever is around. These animals need our protection at all times. If you are fortunate enough to find it again I hope you will remember this event.

Chances are pretty good he'll be brought home if someone finds him. It's amazing how many lost tortoises have found their way home over the years.

Keep us posted.

oops, forgot to update, on wednesday i was outside eating donuts and pondering my thoughts of him, and i look to the right and in my neighbors bush popped out alil head and sure enuff it was milton. Im sooo happy and im never going to pull that stunt again. And to show my appreciation for him, this spring break I will build a tort table for him. thanks guys

I love a happy ending!