PLEASE HELP, LOST TORTOISE

Smschiro

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Jan 24, 2019
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Naperville, Illinois
i lost my tort yesterday at 5:30ish within 5 minutes. He was just gone. I usually see him walk away, and will bring him back, over and over. Then take him inside when I go inside. I never found him. I woke up this morning at 5:30 with the sunrise bc I know he’s cold and is going to want to bask in the sun, still no luck. I live in Illinois. Is there anyway that he will be okay outside if I don’t find him. I am completely heartbroken.
 

wccmog10

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May 6, 2018
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Don’t give up, keep looking. Do a search on the forum for lost tortoise stories. There are tons of examples of this happening and people being reunited with their beloved torts days and even months later. The longest I’ve ever heard of is 10 years. This is of course somewhat dependent on what species you have, and if it would be able to find a good location to over winter.
 

Chubbs the tegu

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Sorry to hear that. I agree w maro2bear look in every inch of your yard. They’re very good at hide and seek.. well the hide part. Good luck!
 

Smschiro

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Naperville, Illinois
Sorry to hear. Whar kind of tortoise? Keep looking in every nook and cranny, every bush, in the weeds, grass, etc.

Put up signs, ads in CraigsList, knock on neighbors doors to ask them to keep their eyes peeled.

Good luck

He’s a Russian tort, 1.5 years old, 15oz and super spoiled. I love him so much, I should not have brought him outside. I am so distraught
 

Bee62

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He’s a Russian tort, 1.5 years old, 15oz and super spoiled. I love him so much, I should not have brought him outside. I am so distraught
Please don`t punish yourself. Torts are masters in hiding ! Put out her favorite food. Put out a lot on different places. Maybe she smells it and comes out ! Good luck and never give up searching.:)
 
Last edited:

jsheffield

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In addition to the good advice above, I would scatter some small chunks of banana, strawberry, and papaya on your lawn... although it's not ideal food for him, the smell may draw him in so you can scoop him up.

Good luck!

Jamie
 

TammyJ

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Was he outside in an open area or in a fenced area when he vanished? How do you think he was able to just walk away or get out? Maybe we could make a few more helpful suggestions if we know the circumstances/situation in a bit more detail.
 

vladimir

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Sorry to hear. Whar kind of tortoise? Keep looking in every nook and cranny, every bush, in the weeds, grass, etc.

Put up signs, ads in CraigsList, knock on neighbors doors to ask them to keep their eyes peeled.

Good luck

If there are kids in the neighborhood, they may be excited to help search for him. The more people aware that he's missing and helping to look the better :)
 

Harry G

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Joined
Jul 10, 2022
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Location (City and/or State)
Fort Washington, PA
i lost my tort yesterday at 5:30ish within 5 minutes. He was just gone. I usually see him walk away, and will bring him back, over and over. Then take him inside when I go inside. I never found him. I woke up this morning at 5:30 with the sunrise bc I know he’s cold and is going to want to bask in the sun, still no luck. I live in Illinois. Is there anyway that he will be okay outside if I don’t find him. I am completely heartbroken.
I see that’s this post is old but I had a similar experience. I printed signs on a pieces of computer paper and stapled them to neighborhood telephone poles with my contact info. A week later I received a phone call that my box turtle had ventured into a neighbors yard and was fine.
 

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