Look what I just found on my backyard!!!

[Sophist]

Sophist, why do you highly doubt this ornate box turtle is indigenous?

She simply does not sound like she is in an area it would be indigenous to. But, without her actual location, all I can do is doubt, and not be sure. I am aware that there are box turtles indigenous to parts of the united states, but that does not mean they can live anywhere in the U.S.

Even if it is in a state it naturally occurs in, it wouldn't be in a busy city area.

[K9soul]

She simply does not sound like she is in an area it would be indigenous to. But, without her actual location, all I can do is doubt, and not be sure. I am aware that there are box turtles indigenous to parts of the united states, but that does not mean they can live anywhere in the U.S.

Even if it is in a state it naturally occurs in, it wouldn't be in a busy city area.

Gotcha. Although I lived in town and still saw turtles frequently in yards and such. But as you say it is difficult to understand the whole situation without "seeing" it.

M&M, I found this on ornates..

"The Ornate Box Turtle may be found from South Dakota to southern Arizona and the Rio Grande valley. The Mississippi River generally marks the eastern boundary of its range. It prefers prairies and pastures to woodlands."

I'm not sure if they are ever found in your area but it did not mention as far west as California. It may be some released "pet" although my guess is at one time it was wild. Someone could have picked it up in another area and brought it home as a pet and then just released it. I would do a search in your phone book or online for the wildlife department or conservation department, or even Animal Control, and ask who you should get in touch with to help her. It sounds like you are keeping her in good temporary quarters. I wish the best for the poor girl.