Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey all. I got a call from my uncle who lives near me in St.Louis. He said that he had found a turtle in the street in front of his house. Where he lives, theres no woods or anything, its hard core city living. Anyway he asked if I wanted it, and if not he was going to release it out here where I live in the woods. Now I would rather see the turtle released, however I'm concerned what would happen if hes released now. Here in the St.Louis area its been dipping into the upper 30s at night and into the 50s during the day. If this turtle is released, do you think he'll have the time he needs to prepare to hibernate? The weather guy says its supposed to be in the upper 60s by mid next week.

So what do you guys think?
If I have to keep him I can. Ive had a three toe boxie for the past 7 years, but I rather see him released.

Well I just got off of the phone with my uncle. He said someone had painted part of its shell, so I'm sure its been in captivity for at least a little while. So I guess I'm going to keep him for now, or find someone in this area who wants a long term pet boxie...

Thanks anyway....

I would rather that you keep it no matter what. More and more it's looking like relocated box turtles don't fare well, and they might carry endemic diseases that other populations might not be able to handle.

Just attended a conference last month, and the problem of viruses in native populations is becoming a big concern.

Katrina