[PinkString]

Uh...whatever. lol

[jfkIII]

I'm shell shocked.

But don't forget...the tortoise ALWAYS win the race.

[olecapt]

Well...two years ago when they went to check on Mojave Max and see when he was coming out of his den they found him dead...not good....

NOte that the Tortoise people are different from other animal groups. They have money. The federal tortoise programs kicked off a lot of cash. Animal people can be difficult when they need your financial support. They are really fun when financially independent.

[jfkIII]

Originally Posted by olecapt

Buzz should have just turned him on his back and left him.

Nah...would not work...old JFK probably has an iPod in some hidden pocket and would have called his wife. She is used to turning him back upright.

I constantly stick my neck out for you people...and THIS is the tanks I get?????

[alisonkw]

You do realize it's illegal to keep a desert tortoise, right? So I hope it was the authorities you called.

[olecapt]

Originally Posted by alisonkw

You do realize it's illegal to keep a desert tortoise, right? So I hope it was the authorities you called.

I hear he put a saddle on it and has his dogs riding it around his back yard...

He also claims the tortoise was in love with one of his dogs and followed it home. That would make the tortoise a trespasser would it not?

[dynimagelv]

Or a potential son/daughter in law.

[Buzz123]

Originally Posted by alisonkw

You do realize it's illegal to keep a desert tortoise, right? So I hope it was the authorities you called.

Of course, how could I have lived here all my life and not know the desert tortoise is a protected species? Did you not read the original post plus click the link? I followed protocol and did what they told me to do, and saved another one. It's actually not the first time I've carried one to safety that was in the middle of the road with cars bearing down on it. Another time it was a neighbor's pet. Yes, pet. You can adopt tortoises, although they aren't very lovable and won't keep you warm at night.

[Buzz123]

Originally Posted by PinkString

For most Americans, the term 'turtle' describes the Chelonians that are aquatic or semi-aquatic. The term 'tortoise' describes a Chelonian that lives primarily on land. 'Terrapin' can describe some freshwater or saltwater turtles, but is not often used.
In general, tortoises live on land and eat a primarily vegetarian diet, and turtles live in or near the water and eat a meat-based diet or a combination of meat and vegetation. To take this one step further, turtles are often broken down into aquatic and semi-aquatic species. The aquatic species spend the majority of their lives in or near the water and eat a diet that is mostly meat based. Semi-aquatic turtles spend a greater period of time on land, but periodically enter the water. Semi-aquatic turtles tend to eat both plants and animals. An example of a semi-aquatic turtle is the well known American Box Turtle. While there are several subspecies differences, this turtle tends to spend most of its time on land, but enters very shallow water several times a week to defecate. The young turtles are primarily meat eaters, but as they get older, they eat a primarily vegetarian diet.

Terrapin can also describe a fan of the University of Maryland whose a$$ we Mountaineers kicked last weekend...again! Go EERS!!!

One thing I read about terrapins said they are born in the water and live on the land, but I think that is wrong, so if olecapt doesn't pay you, I'll double the prize and give you MOHO.

When I was a kid the daddies in the neighborhood would go turtle hunting in the turtle holes in the sides of river banks. They slide their hands in under the turtle and slide him out; the theory being they can't lower their heads to bite something under them. I think these guys drank too much beer ...or "shine". As kids we were allowed to watch the butchering, and were allowed to play with the head, which would still bite, and the heart, which would still beat. We believed both would keep working until the sun went down. All I know is Mrs. Greathouse sure made delicious turtle soup.

[jfkIII]

Originally Posted by alisonkw

You do realize it's illegal to keep a desert tortoise, right? So I hope it was the authorities you called.

Oooops...I was over Buzz's house for turtle soup the other night.