Box Turtles

Box Turtles at the Zoo:

Shelbert and Bunson

Description

Box Turtles are mid-sized, terrestrial turtles – about 4-6”– with a high, rounded shell that is dark with many yellow or orange patches. The carapace pattern is variable and becomes less prominent with age. There are four toes on each hind foot.

What do they eat?

Roots, flowers, berries, mushrooms, insects, amphibians, small fish, eggs, and even carrion.

How long do they live?

The average lifespan is 25-35 years, though they can live to be 100 years old.

How many are born at a time?

11

Where can they be found?

Eastern box turtles are usually found near ponds, fields, meadows, and woodlands throughout the eastern half of the United States. Although eastern box turtles are native to the eastern United States, they can sometimes be seen in other states. This is because box turtles are very popular pets, and sometimes when people do not want them anymore, or they move, they release the turtles into the wild.

Interesting facts:

Females have the ability to store sperm and can have fertile offspring up to four years after a successful mating