Large tortoises CAN run backward

[ryan57]

Today Stump was out early and decided he wanted to go digging. Well, apparently there were bees that have decided that his burrow is a fantastic place for a nest. Southern Yellowjackets. This time of year they are real aggressive and apparently they didn't like me using a garden hoe to make sure there's nothing down in the hole. I'm grateful that I got stung half a dozen times and with Benadryl each site is only 2"x2" swollen up and that Stump did not go down in there.

Back to the story, he got stung in the face or neck and started swatting with his arms and RAN backward at full speed for about 12'.

I can't see a mark on him but boy oh boy I can see them on my arm!

 

[ryan57]

Almost 2 yrs and 6 mo in 2 weeks. For scale this guy is as big as my wife's torso and for scale his food dish is an 18" pizza pan. 45lbs. 48" doggie bed is his indoor burrow.

At this rate I wouldn't be surprised if he's 60lbs @ 3 yrs since hatching out of his egg. His scutes just spread out again. He was very smooth 2 days ago and I have video of it.

The yellowjackets won the battle but not the war. In a couple hours, their nest will be their tomb.

 

[ryan57]

That reptile lamp is actually an LED now and no fire hazard. It USED to be heat until he didn't need it. Unfortunately, if the light is not on, it's just not right and he won't go there. That's why it has to be there. Also, I haven't hung his fan mail and photos yet.