Box Turtle is the common name for several species of turtle. It may refer to those of the genus Cuora or Pyxidea, which are Asian cox turtles, or more commonly to species of the genus Terrapene, the North American box turtles. They are largely characterized by having a shell shaped like a dome, which is hinged at the bottom, allowing the animal to close its shell tightly to escape predators. Furthermore, the two genera are very different in habitat, behavior and appearance, and are not classified as the same family. Even though box turtles became very popular pets, their needs in captivity are complex and the capture of turtles can have serious detrimental effects on the wild population.

Eastern Box turtles (Terrapene Carolina) are usually seen early in the day, or after a rain. They often retire to swampy areas during the hot summer months. They are fond of, slugs, earthworms, wild straw-berries and mushrooms. (NOTE: Box turtles in some regions eat quite a large amount of mushrooms. Many of these mushrooms are poisonous to men but not the turtle. If a Box Turtle in those regions is eaten, that poison can be passed on to the man, often causing death!!) Box Turtles have quite a diverse group of predators to watch out for! Various birds, carnivorous mammals, amphibians and reptiles all may include Box Turtles in their diets. Even fire ants and crabs are also common predators of Box Turtle eggs and weak hatchlings. Native Americans in the New York area ate Box Turtle meat, used the shells for ceremonial rattles and buried turtles with the dead. A few specimens have lived over 100 years, served as “living records” with fathers then sons carving their names or other family records on the shell. If habitat conditions remain constant, a Box Turtle may spend its life in an area scarcely larger than a football field.

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Credit Anne Marie for bringing up this subject!! We are having Sunday breakfast at IHop, during breakfast, I am asked, “Did you know, You are not supposed to move a Box Turtle from its habitat?” My reply was, “I know you are not supposed to move salamanders, frogs etc. from their habitat” But, never heard that about turtles. Asked her where she got that information from, Facebook!! She continued on, this might be an interesting Photo of the Week article – You should write about it!! Let people know to leave them be!! Next she asked, “Do you have any photos of a box turtle?” Told her I had quite a few photos, as a matter of fact, I have a bunch I took on your property years ago (abt 2002) up along your stream and pond. I am beginning to like this idea, but I wanted to verify the fact of not moving box turtle. I am asking her, what is the name of that fact checking website, Snopes, that is it, check it out. Checked it out, it is actually illegal to remove a box turtle from its habitat. OK, found my next Photo of the Week.

Description: 4-8 inches Terrestrial. Movable hinge allows lower shell to close tightly against the upper domed shell. Males usually have red eyes, females yellowish brown eyes.

Breeding: Nests May to July and lays 3-8 elliptical thin-shelled eggs. Hatchlings sometimes overwinter in the nest. Females are capable of storing sperm and can produce fertile eggs for several years after a single mating. Mature in 5 to 7 years.

Habitat: Moist forested areas, but also wet meadows, pastures and floodplains.

Range: S. Maine south to Florida Keys and west to Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and Texas

Diet – Box Turtles are omnivorous. Their eagle eyes and keen sense of smell help them find foods such as snails, insects, berries, fungi, slugs, worms, flowers, fish, frogs, salamanders, various rodents, snakes, birds and eggs will be consumed when found dead. For the first six years of their lives these turtles actually favor being carnivores getting the extra protein while developing.

REMINDER: Please Enjoy in the Wild and leave them in the Wild

Enjoy Your Open Space


Charlie Fineran


Director Open Space
Allamuchy Township Environmental Commission – Chairman
Allamuchy Historical Society – President