It is a Gopher Tortoise. Not native to NC, so very likely may have been picked up off the road in FL, GA, or SC (AL, MS, and LA also possible, but less likely) and later escaped or the person who found it tired of it and let it go.
Yvonne, just to confirm my ID, when I zoom in on the photo I can see the area where the hinge would be, and there is none present. The facial shape is wrong for a hingeback and so are the scales on head and the front leg.
Thank you. ... If i took back to one of those states would it be humane/reasonable to release it or should it be kept in care? I'll def contact the Wildlife Commission here.
No, you can't release it into the wild. First you would not know where it's original home is and second, if it has been captive, which it must have been, releasing it could promote disease to the wild population. Plus I believe it would be illegal to do.
Is there a care sheet specific to Gopher Tortoise...I'm having a hard time finding.
That's what I was afraid of. Even native, wild animals usually aren't ethical to be released if you don't know exactly where they come from and I certainly wouldn't want it euthanized. Thanks for your thoughts on it.
I guess that's because you're not supposed to have it. But it's so
lovely!
In FL, this tortoise would be considered a "Waif Tortoise" which cannot be released because its origin is not known and because diseases may be introduced to the wild population as others have mentioned. They are instead placed with licensed rehabbers or educational facilities which will care for them for life.
Here is some info on foods from the University of GA:
Have been in contact with a sanctuary in SC that is trying to repopulate that state by taking in Gopher torts taken from the wild so hopeful after vet check he will be on his way to a home that suits! Thanks for your help with this
Good luck. Hopefully all will go well.
