Look what I just found on my backyard!!!

[M&M's Mommy]

Just wanted to add that he will not harm the dogs at all, in any way. Yup, call local wildlife rehab - if you don't know of one, call Animal Control, they'll be abel to direct you to one.

I guess I fear it because I've heard that if a turtle bite onto something, it will never release it unless it's killed. I'm not sure if it's true or not, but do not want to take any chances. My dogs found the turtle, and sniffed at it a bit too closely, it scared me. I am afraid that the turtle would feel threathened and bite them, or that the dogs would flip the turtle over and got biten!

My co-worker said that turtles could carry Salmonella, and make the dogs sick. That scares me even more..

Basically I don't want to keep it, but am not sure about how to get rid of it.

[Ginger's Mom]

He is awfully cute. Yes, I agree with what several others have said. I would get out the phone book or get online and find the nearest wildlife rescue center. They can tell you what to do. I am glad that you got pictures of him while he was there though. Good luck little fellow (or girl ).

[IRescue452]

Call a wildlife place or spca, or release it in a wild wooded area.
There is a very old superstition that once a turtle bites it won't let go until it hears thunder. I'm sure thats where the "it won't release until dead" thought came from. It is nothing more than an old superstition. Trust me, if they didn't let go then I'd have turtle body piercings yet.
Your risk of salmonella from a wild caught turtle is extremely low also.

[M&M's Mommy]

Call a wildlife place or spca, or release it in a wild wooded area.
There is a very old superstition that once a turtle bites it won't let go until it hears thunder.

That's exactly where my fear comes from. I heard that the only way to get a turtle to release something it's bitten onto is to kill it, which I don't think I could do.. But, if it bites my dogs, then I would have to.. Such scary thoughts make me don't want to take any parts in keeping it. My fear prevents me from enjoying the cute little guest that visits our yard!

I'll call the animal control to see what they say.

[IRescue452]

Why on earth do you think you have to kill it if it bites your dogs? You just pull it off. It isn't going to do any damage.

[M&M's Mommy]

Why on earth do you think you have to kill it if it bites your dogs? You just pull it off. It isn't going to do any damage.

No, i do not want to kill the turtle or plan to do so . I was just saying that my fear was I would have to do that because I've heard that it's the only way to release my dog from the turtle.

Many have already said that it was only a myth, and I should not be so scared of the little creature. I'm still scared, but only a little bit, not so much as before anymore.

[K9soul]

I guess I fear it because I've heard that if a turtle bite onto something, it will never release it unless it's killed. I'm not sure if it's true or not, but do not want to take any chances. My dogs found the turtle, and sniffed at it a bit too closely, it scared me. I am afraid that the turtle would feel threathened and bite them, or that the dogs would flip the turtle over and got biten!

My co-worker said that turtles could carry Salmonella, and make the dogs sick. That scares me even more..

Basically I don't want to keep it, but am not sure about how to get rid of it.

That is a myth about them biting and not letting go. Box turtles are very docile and will close up in their shells if threathened. I've handled them many many times, fed them from my hand before etc, while growing up. They are not like snapping turtles or water turtles. The link I posted tells you more about ornates, this one is obviously a girl . As far as salmonella, just wash your hands if you handle her. They used to come in and out of our yard all the time. There's nothing to fear from her. If they are native to your area you will more than likely be advised to just let her go on her natural way.

[kimlovescats]

What a gorgous fella! I would just find a safe place to move him to! Good luck!

[Karen]

I guess I fear it because I've heard that if a turtle bite onto something, it will never release it unless it's killed.

That's completely and totally untrue. Put that out of your mind right now.

[borzoimom]

That's completely and totally untrue. Put that out of your mind right now.

Exactly!

[buttercup132]

I guess I fear it because I've heard that if a turtle bite onto something, it will never release it unless it's killed. I'm not sure if it's true or not, but do not want to take any chances. My dogs found the turtle, and sniffed at it a bit too closely, it scared me. I am afraid that the turtle would feel threathened and bite them, or that the dogs would flip the turtle over and got biten!

My co-worker said that turtles could carry Salmonella, and make the dogs sick. That scares me even more..

Basically I don't want to keep it, but am not sure about how to get rid of it.

Thats the thing though its not a turtle its VERY different.

Well as far as feeding spinach is better for the turtle and carrots

Since its NOT a TURTLE carrots arent good for them unless they are grated with a cheese grater and still then they arent the best. Spinach is also too high in something (I forget what) for them to eat.

[BitsyNaceyDog]

My co-worker said that turtles could carry Salmonella, and make the dogs sick. That scares me even more..

Basically I don't want to keep it, but am not sure about how to get rid of it.

Water turtles often do carry salmonella, but very rarely do land turtles/tortoises. You really don't have to worry about that.

As far as getting rid of him- it's usually best to put him back as close to where you found him as you can. Is your yard fenced? Maybe you could put him just outside your fence. If not I'd try to find a good wooded area to release him.

[K9soul]

Box turtles are technically neither turtles nor tortoises. They are considered terrapins. In any case I don't think M&M's Mommy is planning to "keep" her so the dietary questions should not be a big concern . Ornates are one of the more difficult species to keep anyway, and are not like the eastern or three toed boxers in that they eat primarily an insect diet rather than vegetation.

[M&M's Mommy]

Water turtles often do carry salmonella, but very rarely do land turtles/tortoises. You really don't have to worry about that.

As far as getting rid of him- it's usually best to put him back as close to where you found him as you can. Is your yard fenced? Maybe you could put him just outside your fence. If not I'd try to find a good wooded area to release him.

My yard is fenced, and the neighbors' yard on both side are also fenced. The closest forest (wooded area?) is a couple hours away. There are no streams or water areas that I know of. I can put him back into the yard, but unless he digs an underground tunnel, I don't see how he can get out. Oh wait, how he got in no one knows for sure, but he did get in, he can get out, right?

*Sigh*. I'll put him back in the spot where I found him tonite. And if by Sunday he's still there, I'll call animal control and have them take care of him for me.

[Sophist]

This is a common turtle in the pet trade. Is it indigenous to your state? I highly doubt it. If it was a healthy wild turtle, it would have buried itself for hibernation by now. Plus, box turtles typically never move more than a few acres in their whole entire lives. He is only at your house by human interference and cruelty.

And also a word of caution about turning him into any local SPCA, or Humane Society... if you do this, please check them out carefully first. You would be amazed at how many will put down healthy, adoptable reptiles as a matter of policy. The HSUS and others are very much against pet reptiles, and if you turn him in to a typical shelter, well... he may actually be better of wandering into the busy city streets, which are his only other option right now besides your yard!

Please, if you are afraid of him, let me help you locate a reptile rescue! This little guy needs help. I don't think he's going to get another chance if you're giving up on him so easily .