Need advice: Lost Western Hermann’s hatchling in my yard – any chance of finding it?

Range2

Range2

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I’m pretty heartbroken. About two weeks ago, I lost my tiny Western Hermann’s tortoise hatchling (less than 2” and only about a month old) somewhere in my backyard in Northern Virginia.
I’ve searched the yard over and over—under bushes, along the fence, around the edges, and in all the places I thought it might hide—but still no luck.
Has anyone ever found a hatchling after this long? Is there still a chance it’s alive? Any tips or tricks that actually worked for you would mean a lot.
Thanks so much. I’m trying not to lose hope.
 

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DoubleD1996!

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Range2 said:
I’m pretty heartbroken. About two weeks ago, I lost my tiny Western Hermann’s tortoise hatchling (less than 2” and only about a month old) somewhere in my backyard in Northern Virginia.
I’ve searched the yard over and over—under bushes, along the fence, around the edges, and in all the places I thought it might hide—but still no luck.
Has anyone ever found a hatchling after this long? Is there still a chance it’s alive? Any tips or tricks that actually worked for you would mean a lot.
Thanks so much. I’m trying not to lose hope.
Click to expand...
Is the yard fences in?

Hatchlings usually hug a perimeter. Wall, fence, foundation of tbe house etc. Check there thoroughly.

Dawn and dusk is when you should be checking. Also, try laying some brush Piles in such areas.

You just have to believe and be diligent. I've had babies escape from outdoor pens from me simply not making sure everything was sealed.

I panicked of course, but I searched the perimeter of the enclosure and found them, or found them under a brush pile while raking leaves.

Best of luck
 
zovick

zovick

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Range2 said:
I’m pretty heartbroken. About two weeks ago, I lost my tiny Western Hermann’s tortoise hatchling (less than 2” and only about a month old) somewhere in my backyard in Northern Virginia.
I’ve searched the yard over and over—under bushes, along the fence, around the edges, and in all the places I thought it might hide—but still no luck.
Has anyone ever found a hatchling after this long? Is there still a chance it’s alive? Any tips or tricks that actually worked for you would mean a lot.
Thanks so much. I’m trying not to lose hope.
Click to expand...
You may find the tortoise when you least expect it. Just keep being vigilant as you go around your yard.

When I lived in northwestern CT, there was a remarkable incident in which a tortoise (not sure now if it was a Hermann's or a Russian) was taken out in the owner's yard for a walk and disappeared in the grass when the owner got distracted. A month of searching yielded no results. That tortoise was found one spring about 4 years later emerging from a small hole/burrow under a stone wall on the property. The winters in NW CT are very cold, too.
 
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mark1

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hatchlings are a little more timid, but rain will bring them out, a sprinkler works...... especially if it's been dry like it has been here ...... as said they usually end up moving along obstruction, often digging in corners were one obstruction meets another......
 
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