Came across a gopher tortoise, please read

[WebbyD]

Hi guys. I'm currently on vacation in Florida west palm beach area. I was driving to a store and noticed a tortoise stranded in a parking lot. Worried it would get crushed and killed picked it up and took it to my place about a mile away. It's currently sitting in a blue plastic tub with some lettuce. After googling around I think I may have a gopher tortoise. I'd estimate this one to be over 20 yrs old based on size.

My girl wants to keep it but because of it's current status as vulnerable I want to make sure it has the best chance at a good life.

What do you guys think I should do? I like it and want to keep it but I don't think that's best.

Where would I take it to? The local zoo? Vet? Wildlife center?

Thanks. I'm on my iPhone now but I'll post some pics when I'm home.

[wolfy-hound]

It is HIGHLY prohibited to keep it(or even molest it). They also stick in one territory normally, so you should return it to the area you found it. There should be a pasture or wooded area it came from near the parking lot.

[The Hedgehog]

It is HIGHLY prohibited to keep it(or even molest it). They also stick in one territory normally, so you should return it to the area you found it. There should be a pasture or wooded area it came from near the parking lot.

THIS. Super important to go put it back where it came from. It may be cute, but they are a protected species as well.

[WebbyD]

Thanks for the info guys. I set him(?) free. I'll post pics, one of the coolest experiences of the trip.

[WebbyD]

[DutchHerp]

How close to the parking spot did you release him?

Lucky you didn't get caught....

[WebbyD]

I had no idea what it was when I found it lol. I just saw an animal that looked like it needed help. While I was taking it home we looked it up on wikipedia and found out what it was. I released it in the neighboring unmanicured plot. I didn't want someone to inadvertently harm it.

[Theartisticgemini]

Its a good thing you put em back.

Mega props for that one

I know some stubborn people who would have kept em despite the fact that it is iligel.

[WebbyD]

Its a good thing you put em back.

Mega props for that one

I know some stubborn people who would have kept em despite the fact that it is iligel.

Thanks, my girl really liked it and wanted to keep it but it would have been horrible to take something so rare. Hopefully no one else disturbs it.

She was at home with it while I went to go take care of a few things. When we brought it back to release it it kinda stuck around before walking off into the bush. Was rather sweet.

Now I gotta go buy her a tortoise...

[Theartisticgemini]

Thanks, my girl really liked it and wanted to keep it but it would have been horrible to take something so rare. Hopefully no one else disturbs it.

She was at home with it while I went to go take care of a few things. When we brought it back to release it it kinda stuck around before walking off into the bush. Was rather sweet.

Now I gotta go buy her a tortoise...

Girls...smh

They are too much