Eastern Box Turtle
Terrapene carolina
Conservation Status
VulnerableReptilia · Emydidae
About
The common box turtle is a species of box turtle with five existing subspecies. It is found throughout the Eastern United States and Mexico. The box turtle has a distinctive hinged lower shell that allows it to completely enclose itself, like a box. Its upper jaw is hooked. The turtle is primarily terrestrial and eats a wide variety of plants and animals. The females lay their eggs in the summer. Turtles in the northern part of their range hibernate over the winter.
Fun Fact
In May, June or July, females normally lay a clutch of 1 to 11 eggs into a flask-shaped nest excavated in a patch of sandy or loamy soil.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found in Canada in southern Ontario and is still found in Mexico along the Gulf Coast and in the Yucatán Peninsula.
Diet
Feed on a variety of animal and vegetable matter.
Lifespan
138 years
Threats
- Habitat Degradation
- Overexploitation
- Invasive Species
- Climate Change