Eastern Box Turtle

Description:

Handsome, large male Eastern Box Turtle. This fine fellow was apparently dining on some Bolete mushrooms before he spotted us walking down the hiking trail (he was sitting in the middle of the trail with a mushroom). Domed shell with yellow markings. Bright yellow and orange on front legs, face and neck. Box Turtles have a hinged shell that allows them to hide inside and close the shell to protect themselves from predators.

Habitat:

Temperate forest.