Need help identifying and what to do

[Frode222]

Went outside today to my dog barking and found this guy trying to hid under some lumber I have.
All three neighbors have bigger dogs, so I was afraid to let him roam free. First time I have found a tortoise in my backyard, so I'm pretty sure he is new and not a resident
Attached a photo of him. He is about 5-6 inches long.
I live in Central California if that helps.
He also does appear to have some scarring on his shell that looks like it may be old bite marks as there are matching sets on both sides.
Depending on the type, should I just put him back where I found him or?
Plan on talking to the neighbors also to see if they have one.

 

[Yvonne G]

It's a three toe box turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis), and not native to California. So it's someone's escaped pet. Put up fliers on the utility poles and an ad on craigslist.com. Also, the newspaper put the ad in lost and found for free for 'found' turtles. They eat bugs, worms, fruit and veg.

 

[Frode222]

That was fast.
Thank you!
I'll make sure he finds his owner

 

[BeeBee*BeeLeaves]

Very beautiful, the little wanderer.
Glad doggies didn't get to him and think, "Chewy time!"

 

[Greta16]

Make sure whoever claims him or her is actually the owner. You don't want someone to take her that just wants to make a buck. ☺

 

[PJay]

Cute three toed! While you are searching for it's people, check out the care sheet on box turtles to see what accommodations you can meet until they claim it: http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/box-turtle-care-sheet.93937/