Can anyone identify what type of tort?

[Dare]

Hi there, I apologize if this is in the wrong area of this website but I'm not sure where to post!

We found this dude (unsure of sex at the moment, just referring to it as a him) in our backyard! Asked around to see if someone lost a pet, but the next door neighbor told me he's lived at our house for years!

So strange we didn't see him before. We only moved here in october ('16). The pup started barking earlier and that's how we discovered him. Maybe he was living under our planter box?

Just wondering if anyone can help us determine what type of tortoise he is, maybe how old? We thought maybe a Texas Tortoise (we live in Houston, Tx)...my husband thought he may resemble a yellow footed tortoise but I don't see it as much.

I only put him in the box while I asked the neighbors if they'd lost a tort! He is now back roaming the yard.. He did eat some fresh lettuce from my garden that I gave him. I don't have a photo of his underside at the moment, sorry!

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[lisa127]

That is a 3 toed box turtle. Unfortunately no way to tell age but it's a mature adult.

 

[Dare]

That is a 3 toed box turtle. Unfortunately no way to tell age but it's a mature adult.

Thanks for your reply! Interesting. We looked at the 3 toed box turtles earlier online but didn't think he looked similar to any of the images we went through.

 

[lisa127]

Thanks for your reply! Interesting. We looked at the 3 toed box turtles earlier online but didn't think he looked similar to any of the images we went through.

They can look different depending on where they are from. Some have a very plain olive shell. Others have a golden shell with yellow markings. Or darker with yellow markings like this one.

 

[lisa127]

I don't think 3 toed is native to texas. He must be a lost pet....

 

[tortdad]

I don't think 3 toed is native to texas. He must be a lost pet....

They most certainly are native to Texas

 

[tortdad]

I'm in Houston too and have a few 3 toed boxies. You didn't notice him when you first moved in because they hibernate in the winter. Make sure you see where he goes at night to sleep at night so you don't mow him down

 

[lisa127]

They most certainly are native to Texas

Ok, didn't know that! Thanks!

 

[tortdad]

Ok, didn't know that! Thanks!

You've taught me lots about box turtles so it was my turn

 

[Link]

Right now my profile pic is a three toed box turtle from Oklahoma. They can look like this or be much more colorful like yours.

 

[lisa127]

You've taught me lots about box turtles so it was my turn

Thanks....for some reason I thought only the ornate was native there!

 

[Link]

They both are native here. Ornate are just now starting to show up. 3 toes come out first then them.

 

[Link]

And in case anyone is wondering. They have three toes on their back feet not their front.