Eastern Box Turtle

Eastern Box Turtle

Turtles are among the most unique animals on earth due to their protective bony shell and the absence of teeth. Most are aquatic with the exception of the box turtle that is completely terrestrial. Commonly observed attempting to cross the highway, box turtles may eventually enter your habitat

Box turtles have a high-domed carapace (shell), usually brown, orange and yellow with darker stripes and spots that may reach seven inches in length. The plastron (underside of the shell) is hinged and can be completely closed to protect the soft parts of the turtle. Males have a concave plastron and red eyes, and females have yellow-brown eyes. If there were a harmless reptile, the box turtle would be it. They are omnivorous (eating both plants and animals), and have a particular fondness for slugs, earthworms, tomatoes, and strawberries.

Once spotted in your yard or habitat; don’t be surprised if the box turtle reappears again. If they like where they are, they will remain within an area roughly the size of a football field. Gardens and backyard habitats are a great place for them, often containing all of the elements they prefer. A shallow saucer filled with fresh water will always be welcomed, especially during hot dry weather.

There is some concern among scientists, about the recent decline in the population of turtles. Taking years to mature and having a low reproduction rate, they are particularly vulnerable. Loss of habitat and automobiles (road kill), are in a large part, to blame. Rescue turtles whenever you may do it safely. If you find an injured turtle along the roadside or in your yard, do all you can to insure its survival.