Three-toed box turtle

Description:

Olive green domed shell (about 5 in. wide) with faint yellow markings.

Habitat:

Spotted in a mixed forest.

Notes:

Three-toed box turtles are known to migrate seasonally in order to maintain their preferred humidity level. In Arkansas, three-toed box turtles were observed in grasslands in late spring, while in early spring, summer, and late fall they were found in forested areas. During dry times, they dig shallow burrows into leaf litter to conserve moisture. When water is available, these turtles soak for longer periods of time than any of the other subspecies.