A relatively new resident of Point Roberts, Merlin the tortoise escaped from its owners in September and is thought to be hibernating until the temperatures warm up around here.
About eight years old, Merlin is around 15 inches long, 12 inches wide and weighs approximately 20 pounds or so. Merlin, a sulcata tortoise, also known as an African spurred tortoise, his kind originally hails from the southern edge of the Sahara desert and is considered endangered. They are the third-largest species of tortoise after the Galapagos tortoise and the Aldabra giant tortoise.
They can live more than 70 years and weigh as much as 230 pounds. Merlin is the pet of Arthur Collard, the son of Gary and Melissa Collard who split their time between Point Roberts and Sacramento, California.
According to Gary Collard, Merlin twice headed downslope toward the Maple Beach tennis courts but following two brief chases was brought back home.
He eventually made good his escape from a cinderblock and wood enclosure that had been constructed in the Collard’s backyard. Gary Collard figures he found a crawl space under a cabin and burrowed in for the winter. In the wild, sulcata tortoises have been known to burrow up to 45 feet deep and 90 feet long. “I expect he’ll re-emerge once the temperatures start reaching the mid-60s,” said Collard.
The Collards have offered a $200 reward for his return. Should you spot Merlin, you can call the Collard’s neighbor Dave Armstrong at 360/945-4230 or call the Collards at 916/475-4311.
If someone happens to see Merlin walking down the street and decides to chase him, there’s no need to put on running shoes.
Top speed of a sulcata tortoise? Just 0.3 mph or 26 feet per minute. He’ll be tuckered out at 600 yards and will need a nice, long rest.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here