My friend Shelley adopted Mazlo from the Effie Yeaw Nature Center in Carmichael California about 20 years ago.
He was living happily in her yard for about 5 years and then Monique showed up and moved in with Mazlo. She may have been a wild turtle or an escaped pet turtle that was searching for a mate.
They lived happy and content for almost 25 years, and had several babies. Only a few made it to maturity as they are subjected to a lot of stress from frozen ground to spring rains are eaten by various other wildlife.
Last year Mazlo was eaten by a badger, (yes, we have badgers that live along the American River in Sacramento) so Monique was moved to my house for safety.
He was living happily in her yard for about 5 years and then Monique showed up and moved in with Mazlo. She may have been a wild turtle or an escaped pet turtle that was searching for a mate.
They lived happy and content for almost 25 years, and had several babies. Only a few made it to maturity as they are subjected to a lot of stress from frozen ground to spring rains are eaten by various other wildlife.
Last year Mazlo was eaten by a badger, (yes, we have badgers that live along the American River in Sacramento) so Monique was moved to my house for safety.
Because they had offspring before I was pretty sure Monique may have laid some eggs after coming to my place. Sure enough, I lifted the plywood off the enclosure one day in February and to my delight found one little turtle wandering around. Then I noticed a small hole in the dirt, stuck my finger in to lift the dirt a bit and saw another one.
I reached out to the Northern California Herpetological Society for help and was pleased to hear from Bill Bennett who has written several papers on caring for box turtles and other species.
Unfortunately, one of the babies passed away but the other one seems to be thriving. If you find a turtle in the wild it is best not to disturb them or move them from the area. If you have decided to adopt a turtle please seek guidance from a professional that knows what is best for your new friend.
Contact your local herpetological society or zoo to learn more about the care of your specific turtle.
I reached out to the Northern California Herpetological Society for help and was pleased to hear from Bill Bennett who has written several papers on caring for box turtles and other species.
Unfortunately, one of the babies passed away but the other one seems to be thriving. If you find a turtle in the wild it is best not to disturb them or move them from the area. If you have decided to adopt a turtle please seek guidance from a professional that knows what is best for your new friend.
Contact your local herpetological society or zoo to learn more about the care of your specific turtle.
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