local
African Spurred Tortoise found in Ector County
By Katelyn Carlock at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· July 2, 2026
· 1 min read
ECTOR COUNTY, Texas (KOSA) - Ector County Animal Control is looking for the owner of an African spurred tortoise found in Odessa.According to the Ector County Animal Control, the tortoise — a 4-year-old female with a sandy yellow coloring and a hard shell with oval rings — has been found. The ani...
Key takeaway According to the Ector County Animal Control, the tortoise — a 4-year-old female with a sandy yellow coloring and a hard shell with oval rings — has been found.
Why this matters in The Midland
The discovery of an African spurred tortoise in Ector County raises questions about exotic pet ownership in the Permian Basin area. As the region's population grows, so does the likelihood of encountering non-native species, whether intentionally or unintentionally released into the wild. In this case, the tortoise's fate will be decided in the coming weeks, with a claim deadline set for July 16 and a potential auction on July 21. For local residents who may be interested in providing a home for the tortoise, the auction at the Ector County Law Enforcement Center presents an opportunity, but also underscores the need for responsible pet ownership and awareness of local regulations. The Ector County Animal Control's efforts to reunite the tortoise with its owner or find a new home highlight the importance of community involvement in addressing the unique challenges posed by exotic pets in the area.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? ECTOR COUNTY, Texas (KOSA) - Ector County Animal Control is looking for the owner of an African spurred tortoise found in Odessa.According to the Ector County Animal Control, the tortoise — a 4-year-old female with a sandy yellow coloring and a hard shell with oval rings — has been found. The ani...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Katelyn Carlock at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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