KOB-TV reports Dusty the Turtle went missing earlier this month in Roswell, New Mexico, after strong winds knocked open a gate that housed him.
Shana Emmert, who was pet-sitting Dusty for her niece, says she believes the turtle strolled away from the backyard and into the desert during the wind storm.
According to Emmert’s neighbors, the 100-pound Dusty was last spotted near Berrendo Creek in Roswell and hasn’t been seen since.
The family is offering a $500 reward for the turtle’s safe return.