South Dakota Police Reunite Giant Runaway Tortoise With Owner

You never know what you're going to find when you're patrolling the South Dakota streets. But I'm pretty sure local officers with the Pennington County Sheriff's Office were not expecting a giant tortoise.

While on duty, some officers with the Pennington County Sheriff's Office stumbled upon a tortoise. They partnered with the Rapid City Police Department to search for the owner of the tortoise.

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Pennington County Sheriff's Office (via Facebook)

It's never a dull moment when you're protecting the people of South Dakota! Even helping the scaliest residents.

We recently had a rather large, slow-moving visitor turn up, and we think this handsome fella, or lady may be an African spurred tortoise.

So… if you happen to be missing a tortoise roughly the size of a small ottoman, give us a call! (We will have to verify any ownership claims!

The details of this unique and wild animal encounter was made public in a Facebook post.

It turns out this guy is an African Spurred Tortoise. Officers did contact the Reptile Gardens and this tortoise on the run was not one of theirs.

How Long Can African Spurred Tortoise Live in South Dakota?

Fun facts about African Spurred Tortoises: They are the third-largest tortoise species globally. For male African Spurred Tortoises, they can grow up to 30 inches long and weigh over 100 to 200 pounds. In the wild, African Spurred Tortoises can live between 70 to 75 years. In captivity, they can reach up to 150-years-old if conditions are perfect.

This surprise has South Dakota excited for their new reptile friend.

Wow, how fun!!!!! Never a dull moment!!I hope he didn’t resist arrest!

Pulled over for being below the posted minimum. Throw the book at him!

"We've got a runner!" OH, no nevermind. I'm good!

So Does This Tortoise Have An Owner? Did Someone Abandon It?

Good news for this friendly reptile! His name is Century and he's 30 years-old! Officers did find Century's owners after an extended search.

South Dakota's Snakes: A Local Guide to Identifying and Understanding Our Slithering Neighbors!

South Dakota may not have creepy crawlies like they do in Australia. But, there are a fair amount of snakes to be found here.

We can find some in the Black Hills, some enjoy life on the west-river plains, and several are concentrated in the southeastern part of the state along the Missouri River.

There are seven common species of snake that can be found throughout the state, including our one venomous species.

8 Things You Should Never Buy At A South Dakota Garage Sale

South Dakotans love garage sales. I like saving money as much as the next guy. But there are just some things you should buy new and never purchase at a garage sale.

Source: South Dakota Police Reunite Giant Runaway Tortoise With Owner