Can you ID this tortoise?

[tarantulakeeper]

Can you ID this tortoise? A student of mine brought this little guy to my class on Wednesday. He was found in their backyard.(Phoenix, AZ) I have an adult Desert Tortoise (Gopherus) and have seen hatchlings. The shell doesn't look quite right to be a DT. However, the head looks like one. Any help would be appreciated so I can research proper care. He is about 4 inches front to back? Thanks, John

 

[Brandon]

John, thats looks like a Eastern Box Turtle to me. Defentally not a tortoise.
Drop me a line if you have any other questions.

-Brandon-

 

[jwmeeker]

I'm not a turtle/tortoise expert by any means, but I agree that it's a box turtle. The lack of markings really throws me for a loop though. I've never seen a western not display the distinct radiating yellow lines. It's definitely has to be the western as opposed to the eastern though.

Justin

 

[Ewok]

maybe it was an eastern box turtle on vacation lol. just joking

 

[Brandon]

Western box turtles have a much flatter carapice, and there range doesnt come within 45 miles of Phoenix http://www.reptilesofaz.com/Turtle-Amphibs-Subpages/h-t-ornata.html. My guess is that it was someones pet that got loose. Happens all the time.

-Brandon-

 

[Rob883226]

Looks like a 3 toed box turtle, maybe even a mexican box turtle. Its not an eastern.

 

[tarantulakeeper]

Thanks to all

that have replied. I had some other inqueries out there and all agree it is a 3 toed box turtle. It has three toes on the rear legs and the plastron is hinged. (I learned a new word this week: plastron) Several have commented on the apparent good health of this little guy and have suggested it is someone's lost pet. I'll go back to the student and parents who brought this guy in and see if they'll pursue the found pet route in their neighborhood. John

 

[Brian F.]

I think I remember a pretty good care sheet at kingsnake.com, although it was awhile ago. Good luck...