Police in South Carolina responded to an unusual traffic situation on Sunday after a large tortoise was found slowly making its way through a roadway in Hanahan.
According to the Hanahan Police Department, officers received a call about a “pedestrian” causing a traffic delay — which turned out to be an African Spurred Tortoise.
Officers Use Greens to Rescue Tortoise
Police jokingly described the tortoise as “resisting a swift transit” while crossing the area.
Officers said they were eventually able to safely secure the animal using fresh greens and encouragement.
The department later shared the unusual rescue online, calling the wandering reptile a “shellraiser.”
Police Searching for the Owner
Authorities said the tortoise is currently safe while officers wait for its owner to come forward.
The Hanahan Police Department asked anyone missing an African Spurred Tortoise to contact them.
African Spurred Tortoises Can Grow Very Large
African Spurred Tortoise, also known as Sulcata tortoises, are one of the largest tortoise species in the world. They are commonly kept as exotic pets and can grow to weigh more than 100 pounds.
Because of their size and strength, they can sometimes escape yards or enclosures.
