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Eastern Box Turtle
Stats
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Eats
Omnivores, eating plants, insects, annelids, mollusks, birds, amphibians, reptiles, eggs, and carrion (dead animals).
Lives
Common throughout the Eastern US and as far west as Michigan, Illinois, eastern Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. They can be found in woodlands, pastures, marshy meadows, often near streams and ponds. Due to people keeping them as pets and releasing them into the wild, their range has spread overtime.
Behavior
Diurnal and often solitary, but will not become antagonistic if another turtle comes within its range.
Description
Eastern box turtles are small to medium-sized turtles known for their distinct domed shells. Their carapace, or top shell, is typically brown with striking yellow or orange markings. Unlike most turtles, Eastern box turtles rarely swim. Their heavily domed shells make it difficult for them to glide through the water like other turtles.
Did you Know?
Box Turtles, and all turtles, have shells made of bone! The color on them is a keratin based sheath called "scutes" that help them to camouflage.
How can I Help?
The biggest threats to Eastern box turtles are the pet trade and car strikes. In Virginia, it has recently become illegal to own a box turtle due to their vulnerable status according to the IUCN. Capturing these turtles and keeping them as pets causes significant stress and can lead to depression. Additionally, if a box turtle is taken out of its home range and released elsewhere, it will continue to search for its original home, often leading to starvation. Car strikes are another major danger. If you see a box turtle on the road, it's important to help it across in the direction it was heading. If you turn it around, the turtle will stubbornly try to return to its original path, putting it back in danger.
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