(May 10, 2006) -- This beautiful desert tortoise is loose in ELB (or perhaps beyond).

"Turtle" has been in a family for 35 years but ended her hybernation just as the family was rebuilding a fence...and she got out.

She was last seen in the area of Wardlow Rd. and Rutgers Ave. (between Bellflower Blvd. and Clark Ave.) on May 1...but may have travelled some distance by now (although she's not built for speed).

The tortoise is about 15" long and weighs about 10 pounds.

"She will usually find refuge under a bush or corner of the yard. She also loves to go in our garage and find a corner," says owner Jeri Lynn Cullison.

Ms. Cullison adds that the tortoise can probably manage on her own for a while, but is sorely missed at home.

If you spot "Turtle" munching, lounging in or gliding through your neighborhood, please call (562) 421-9745 or email jlcullison@verizon.net.