Eastern Box Turtle

Description:

This small turtle is commonly found in a wide variety of habitats throughout the eastern US. Their patterns are highly variable, this individual was a very bright one. The adults are omnivorous, consuming a wide variety of animal material (earthworms, slugs, snails, insects, crayfish, frogs, toads, and snakes) and plant material. (leaves, grass, berries, fruits, and fungi) The Box Turtle gets its name from the structure of its shell, which allows it to seal up its vulnerable parts inside an impenetrable box.

Habitat:

Hardwood forest, near stream

Notes:

The bright red eyes and more flattened shell shape mean that this individual is a male. Also, he is missing his right eye!