Eastern Box Turtle
Eastern box turtles are found from
southern Maine to northern Florida. They prefer dark, moist
places, and can be found in woods and fields in tall grass
or along pond and stream banks. Eastern box turtles grow to
approximately 6 inches in length and have a domed,
yellowish-brown shell that they can fit their entire body
inside.
A box turtle's shell can actually close so tight that it keeps water out. Male box turtles are likely to have reddish-brown eyes and a concave lower shell (or plastron) while female box turtles have brown eyes and a flat plastron. In the wild, these turtles would eat insects, worms, slugs, leaves, berries and mushrooms. In general, younger turtles tend to be more carnivorous than adult turtles.
Box turtles breed in the spring. In June, females lay 4-8 eggs in a hole in the ground and they will hatch in the fall or the following spring. The eggs are covered with leaves and soil and are vulnerable to predation by skunks, raccoons and snakes.
Eastern box turtle populations are declining due to over-collection for the pet trade, habitat destruction and death by getting hit by cars. In Massachusetts, Eastern box turtles are listed as a special concern. Eastern box turtles can live 30-50 years in the wild and up to 60-70 years in captivity.
EcoTarium is home to 6 Eastern box turtles. Four were donated as unwanted, illegally owned pets. Two juvenile turtles were born at EcoTarium in 1999. They are not currently on exhibit, but are living off exhibit. They are fed mixed greens, fruits, vegetables, dog chow, earthworms, crickets and mealworms.
Written by Naturalist Heather Kristan.