Catch wild Tort?

[AnimalLady]

So I was in the yard this weekend cleaning up and I had my dogs out with me. The dogs started going crazy at the fence and when I went to check it out I saw a tort! He was munching on cactus. I couldnt really see him well because he was at the bottom of the cactus tree, its a HUGE cactus tree and its really thick and hard to see at the bottom. Right next door to me (where the tort was) is a big parking lot. Theres also a building there and I really have no idea what its used for. Here's my question, would you try and catch this guy or let him be? My father said that he's seen him many times before and he's been there for years, he lives there and always munches on the cactus. This is the first time ive ever seen him. I know he's pretty big, I would say maybe 12 inches? I couldnt get a good look though and its driving me insane.

I had to go inside and when i got back out he was gone. I was so sad! Now i'm left wondering if I should try to get him or leave him alone..
What would you do?

 

[Tom]

If its a wild gopher tortoise, you should leave him alone.

If its a non-native introduced species, then you should collect him up ASAP.

Post a pic next time you see him.

 

[Keith D.]

Its prob a gopher tort, but do what Tom said get a pic of it and post it here so wecan help you identify it.

 

[Gillian M]

A very warm welcome to the forum.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

If he's been there for years and is managing okay, i'd just leave him alone.

 

[dmmj]

is probably his territory his hood his crib you know. you'll probably see him again until you know the species is best to leave alone

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

It is a crime to catch him, he is native and will be fine!

 

[AnimalLady]

He looks like that pic up there ^^^^^^ So he's a gopher tort?! Cool.

No no, i DONT WANT HIM, trust me, i just wasnt sure what I should do for HIS best interest.
You're right though, if he's been there for years (like my dad says) then he's probably fine and doesnt need any help from me.

I'm going to keep a look out for him though, take a pic if I can.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

This is my "resident" area gopher.............

 

[AnimalLady]

Yes, he looks just like that! I thought I wasnt seeing his color correctly, but I guess I was. So cool!