Critter Science

Living amongst the deciduous and mixed forested regions, the eastern box turtle belongs to a group of marsh turtles. There are 6 known subspecies of box turtles. These critters prefer a predominantly moist forest floor with good drainage. They can also be found around open pastures, grasslands, and under fallen logs, usually in moist leaves or wet dirt. Sometimes they may also be located near ponds and streams. You can see these turtles as far north as southern Maine all the way down to Texas. Due to habitat destruction, vehicle strike (getting hit by vehicles), over-collection for the pet trade, pollution, and climate change, these little turtles are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Their numbers are also decreasing.

First the Stats… Scientific name: Terrapene carolina carolina Weight: Up to 2 lbs. Length: Up to 5 inches Lifespan: Up to 100 years

Now on to the Facts! 1.) These little turtles get their name from their hinged plastron that allows for total shell closure. They can close their shell up, like a box.

2.) They are social turtles that get along (typically) quite well with each other.

3.) Eastern box turtles are diurnal (active during the day).

4.) Finding them partially submerged in ponds or streams is common.

5.) On hot summer days, they may even submerge themselves in mud for days at a time.

But wait, there’s more on the eastern box turtle! 6.) From October till around April, they will enter into brumation (a type of hibernation , for reptiles).

7.) A group of turtles is called a bale, creep, dole, nest, or turn.

Did you know…? In captivity, box turtles tend to lose their shell’s color. This has led to the belief that their carapace changes color with age. This is not true. It’s just that their needs aren’t typically being met as they would be in the wild.

8.) Being opportunistic omnivores (eat both plant and animal matter), these critters will consume snails, slugs, grubs, earthworms, beetles, caterpillars, grasses, fallen fruit, berries, mushrooms, flowers, duck weed, and even carrion (dead animals).

9.) These turtles are thought to be either polygynous (1 male mates with multiple females) or polygynandrous (males and females mate with multiple partners).

10.) Females lay up to 9 eggs that incubate in approximately 70 days. They can lay up to 5 clutches of eggs each year.

11.) Raccoons , skunks , coyotes , dogs , ants, crows , snakes, and hogs all prey on box turtles.

Now a Short Eastern Box Turtle Video!

Be sure to share & comment below! Also, check out the Critter Science YouTube channel . Videos added frequently!

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Learn more about all kinds of cool critters, right here ! toolTips('.classtoolTips5','

This is a state of metabolic depression and inactivity in endothermic (warm blooded) creatures. It is displayed as a reduced heartbeat (by up to 95%), low metabolic rate, slow breathing, and low body temperature. Critters that hibernate typically prepare for it by building up an abundance of body fat during late summer and autumn that helps provide them with energy throughout the winter months. There are 2 types of hibernation: facultative & obligate hibernation. Facultatives hibernate when it’s too cold and food supply has been reduced. Obligates are able to sleep despite access to food and comfortable temperatures. A facultative hibernator would be the black-tailed prairie dog . A few obligate hibernators are: ground squirrels , mouse lemurs , and butterflies .'); toolTips('.classtoolTips19','

Reptiles undergo this type of dormancy during the late phases of autumn. They typically only wake up to consume water and then go back to sleep. Reptiles eat a great deal of food right before brumation since they can go for months without eating anything. This dormancy can last for about 8+ months depending on the age, health, and size of the reptile in question. This type of dormancy is typically begun by a decrease in daylight and with the onset of cold weather. Reptiles usually don’t brumate during the first year of their lives; rather they simply slow their movements and eat less.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips29','

Coming from the Latin term omnis (meaning all or everything) and vorare (meaning to eat or devour), omnivores are animals that consume plant and animal matter. Some animals that fit into this category are pigs , dogs , coatis , bears , hedgehogs , chimpanzees , and more.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips29','

Coming from the Latin term omnis (meaning all or everything) and vorare (meaning to eat or devour), omnivores are animals that consume plant and animal matter. Some animals that fit into this category are pigs , dogs , coatis , bears , hedgehogs , chimpanzees , and more.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips31','

An animal that falls into this category is active during the day. Animals that fit this description typically use sight for hunting prey. Others, like turtles , are active during the day as they need the sun\'s rays to aid in the production of vitamin D, which is needed to help process calcium and prevent metabolic bone disease. Hummingbirds rely on the sun as most of the nectar they gather comes from flowers that are open during the day. Cows , dogs , elephants , butterflies , and squirrels , for example, are diurnal.');

carapace

The Eastern Box Turtle

The Butt Breathing Fitzroy River Turtle