My dad found this tortoise walking on a busy street and happened to see it and brought it home. Pls help to identify this guy (type and sex) and how to take care of it. Thx ^0^

Where are you from?

Looks like a Desert Tortoise. You might want to call your local Fish & Wildlife. Desert Tortoises are protected in their ranges.

im from upland, ca

yeah, you need to let that go so you don't get into trouble!!!

read this
CA Fish and Game Article

NO. Do not let it go, its already been in captivity and could potentially take something back to the wild torts. It could also be someone's adopted Desert Tort that got lost. Contact one of the CA societies for DTs on this page.

http://www.tortoise.org/cttclink.html

Hi Volans:

What you have there is someone's lost desert tortoise. You can tell its been someone's pet because of the flattened shape of the carapace. If it were a wild tortoise, it would have a more domed shape. You need to place fliers up on the utility poles in your neighborhood, and maybe place a "found" ad in the newspaper. If you do place an ad, be sure to question folks claiming the tortoise because there are lots of people out there who will lie to you.

It is against the law to take them from the wild, but many people have them legally, with a permit from the Department of Fish and Game.

If you set him free, you are condemning him to death, also its against the law to release a pet tortoise back into the wild.

I hope you find his owners, I'll bet they are really worried about him. But if you don't, please use the link provided in a previous email and contact one of the chapters of the California Turtle and tortoise Club that's close to you, and turn the tortoise over to them.

Yvonne

It was found in Orange county on the walkway in a suburban area where there are lots of houses, not on a desert area...perhaps someone might lost it..

Isn't that what I just said? Please go back to my previous post and READ it. I give you some hints about finding the tortoise's owner.

Yvonne

volans, i am also in orange county. i can take care of this DT until we find his owner if you are (for whatever reason) not up to the task.
PM me for my contact info or just email josh @ tortoiseforum.org