June 12 (UPI) — Animal control officials in Missouri are trying to identify the owner of an African spurred tortoise found wandering loose in a neighborhood.
Officers with Columbia/Boone County Animal Control said a resident discovered the tortoise wandering in the area of Route Z and Enterprise Drive about 12:30 p.m. Thursday.
Animal Control Officer Rebecca Dawson said the male tortoise appears to be in good health.
Another officer, Jimmy Salings, shared photos of the animal to social media in the hopes of finding its owner.
Animal Control Department Supervisor Kevin Meyers said the search for the owner is ongoing.
African spurred tortoises, also known as sulcata tortoises, are not native to the United States, but are commonly kept as pets. They can live for more than 80 years and reach a weight of more than 100 pounds.
“They are pretty good at digging, and can escape a fenced in yard fairly easily,” Meyers told KOMU-TV.
The tortoise will be kept on a five-day stray hold by animal control. It will be turned over to the Central Missouri Humane Society if no owner comes forward.