Three-toed box turtle (female)

Description:

The carapace is relatively high and dome-shaped with a low keel running down the midline. The carapace is brown, but may hae an indistinct pattern of yellow to orange lines and spots. An older individual may be patternless and have a pitted shell. The unpatterned plastron is tan to dark brown and has a hinge. In a male, the posterior part of the plastron is slightly concave. Some males have a great deal of red or orange coloration on the head. Normally, this turtle has only three toes on the hind foot, but occasionally it has four toes. The hind feet are rather stumpy and are not webbed. The male usually has red eyes, whereas a female has yellow or brown eyes. (information from "A Field Guide To Amphibians and Reptiles of Oklahoma")

Habitat:

Found on the road between rural properties (some cattle pastures)

Notes:

This turtle was found on a rural road leading to a Wildlife Management Area. She looked like she had been through some rough times in her life but had healed up quite well.