Most of these are not turtles but are actually fossil tortoises. Giant tortoises today are found only on the Galapagos Islands west of Ecuador and Aldabra Island north of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. They once roamed North America as well. These specimens were discovered during two field trips to the Rockies and midwest during the summers of 1985 and 1987. They range from 40 to 35 million years old.
Tortoises are terrestrial turtles having short, elephant-like feet with unwebbed toes.
They are found primarily in dry areas. Tortoises are found in all temperate and tropical areas except Australia and Polynesia. Some species of giant tortoise may reach weights of up to 500 lbs. These tortoises once were land dwelling reptiles that once roamed much of North America. These fossils were found in Wyoming, South Dakota and Nebraska by Sierra College students and staff.