Don't Let Your Turtle Go!
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Copyright by Valerie Haecky. This document may be freely 
distributed for non-profit use, provided this notice is
included.

Note: This is a question I get asked over and over and over:

  Q: "I have a box turtle that has been in captivity for over a decade and now
      I'd like to let it go. I was worried about her having to fend for
      herself again. My local humane society told me it was okay to let her go
      in a strawberry patch in the end of Spring.  What are your views on
      this?"

A: Don't. Don't. Don't. No exceptions.

1) It may be illegal.
2) The turtle will likely not survive. He is used to being pampered and fed and knows
   nothing of danger.
3) Captive animals carry organisms that will kill wild populations. (One reason
   why Desert Tortoises are in jeopardy is the introduction of a respiratory bug by
   captive animals.)

Your best options are:
      * Find a home for the turtle. You can advertise on rec.pets.herp, in a local
        paper, or at a pet shop. If this is not an emergency, I strongly recommend this
        route. 
      * Donate the turtle to a school. Many schools keep animals for educational purposes.
      * A pet shop may be willing to take the turtle and resell it.