Hello! I'm in southern California and recently found a turtle in my backyard! It looks like a desert box turtle (light brown with red eyes. about 10 inches long), but without any expertise, I'm not sure if this is the desert tortoise. (Is the desert tortoise another name for desert box turtles? )
He seems to have a few different homes/shelters in our backyard, from which I could tell he has been living in my backyard for a long time. I just didn't notice him when I moved in a few months ago because I didn't go out to my backyard that often back then. This house has been empty for several months before we moved in, so I have no idea where he came from.
I never saw him eating any grass or fruits but I often see him eating snails in the garden. He also likes soaking his feet in a small bowl with water.
So, I wonder if anyone can give me any advice on the questions I have - I will appreciate any tips/info!
My questions are:
1) If this is a desert box turtle, do I need a permit (for desert tortoise) to keep him?
2) Is it possible to get a permit for a desert turtle living in the backyard?
3) Is there any chance the permit not being issued?
Forgot to add the photos. These are the photos of him. Is this a desert turtle? Can anyone tell how old he might be?
He seems to have a few different homes/shelters in our backyard, from which I could tell he has been living in my backyard for a long time. I just didn't notice him when I moved in a few months ago because I didn't go out to my backyard that often back then. This house has been empty for several months before we moved in, so I have no idea where he came from.
I never saw him eating any grass or fruits but I often see him eating snails in the garden. He also likes soaking his feet in a small bowl with water.
So, I wonder if anyone can give me any advice on the questions I have - I will appreciate any tips/info!
My questions are:
1) If this is a desert box turtle, do I need a permit (for desert tortoise) to keep him?
2) Is it possible to get a permit for a desert turtle living in the backyard?
3) Is there any chance the permit not being issued?
Forgot to add the photos. These are the photos of him. Is this a desert turtle? Can anyone tell how old he might be?