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Any idea what this turtle is? It's about 1-3/4" wide. It was found in a backyard in Sacramento, CA. Thanks in advance.

- Brandon

Mystery Turtle Pics

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Brandon Abell

Considering the individuals local it is most likely a Western Pond Turtle “Clemmys marmorata” Very interesting species that is of special concern in Washington and slowly diminishing in California. Take good care of it. Do you plan to keep it? If so there are a lot of resources on google for car. I am interested in the details on were it was found. Out of water? Is there any water close by? For 2005 this species has become part of my research and in the past 20 or so years of herping in N. California and 3 years of research I have only observed 1 individual in California. I am interested in the details surrounding its collecting as I live fairly close to you in Ione, Ca
My reptile research and collection

I may have been misinformed. I believe the species is Endangered in Washington and a Species of special concern in both Oregon and California. Sorry for the wrong info
My reptile research and collection

It was found by a small dog that usually barks upwards at birds, but was barking at the ground this time. . . The dog didn't touch it fortunately. I would just release it there, but it's a little too urban an area for it to be just released - a less docile dog would have made a snack of it.

The property it was found at is in the South Natomas area of Sacramento, fairly close to the intersection of Northgate and El Camino.

I have kept a reptile and fish for quite a while, and can keep this little guy alive and happy as a pet if I had to, but if it is a threatened species I'd rather it be released somewhere where it won't become dog food.

- Brandon

>>Considering the individuals local it is most likely a Western Pond Turtle “Clemmys marmorata” Very interesting species that is of special concern in Washington and slowly diminishing in California. Take good care of it. Do you plan to keep it? If so there are a lot of resources on google for car. I am interested in the details on were it was found. Out of water? Is there any water close by? For 2005 this species has become part of my research and in the past 20 or so years of herping in N. California and 3 years of research I have only observed 1 individual in California. I am interested in the details surrounding its collecting as I live fairly close to you in Ione, Ca
>>My reptile research and collection
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Brandon Abell

Always a good decision. I personally observed 2 of them on a private pond on the way home from my brothers house today. That brings the total up to 3 that I have observed in the wild thus far. I hope to see many many more.
My reptile research and collection

....it is also a protected species. Because of its potentil threatened status, you should release it to an aquatic environment near where you found it unless you are and experienced and expert herp caretaker.