HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A wandering African spurred tortoise is back home safely thanks to the quick response of a Precinct 4 deputy constable and a watchful citizen.

According to Pct. 4 Constable Mark Herman, Sgt. Martinez responded to a neighborhood off Gosling Road near West Rayford Road after a resident spotted the large tortoise in the roadway.

Deputies arrived on the scene, secured the tortoise, and located the owners. The animal was safely returned home without injury.

Constable Herman praised the good Samaritan who stepped in to help, saying their actions kept the animal out of harm’s way.

African spurred tortoises are among the largest tortoise species in the world and are not native to Texas. Their size and slow pace can put them at serious risk if found in high-traffic areas.

See Full Page