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missing turtle

22 16:38:41

Question
Hi. I recently got two box turtles from a friend. I took them outside today in their outside habitat. I went out to check on them and one of them is missing. I'm worried that in the few short minutes I walked away that one of the dogs carried it into the yard. We have some areas that are overgrown and I have looked high and low since I found it was missing. I know the dog wouldn't hurt it, as they don't even mess with our lizards. Do you have any suggestions for finding the turtle? Thanks.

Answer
Dogs tend to ravage turtles- they smell like mobile chew toys.

Runaways are tough. First, it is probably closer than you think to where it was last. They tend to hit a good hiding space and hunker down- they can hide in incredibly unlikely places and are really good at not being seen.

Give the neighbors a 'missing turtle' flyer with a good picture of this kind of turtle so if one of them find it you'll get it back.

Finding a turtle hiding in brush or overgrown places can drive you crazy, but just be careful, look for small hiding spaces up against something (like a wall, trunk, etc.) and remember that in the wild, they hide in animal burrows.

Good luck! I wish I had some easy process that works.