Eastern Box Turtle
Yesterday (Oct 16, 2023), I found a 3 ½” long NC Box Turtle in the backyard under a bush while clearing out some invasive Japanese Saw Grass. The bush is near the house where the grass is commonly mowed which is not a safe place to leave him. It was getting late when found and kept overnight so he will be released today in a safer place down by the steam in the woods. Box turtles generally do not stray far from were born and should be released in a safe place no further than half a mile.
“Eastern box turtles are the only terrestrial turtle found in North Carolina, and in 1979 they were selected as North Carolina’s State Reptile. Box turtle sightings are common throughout North Carolina, but with continual loss of habitat, propensity to get hit by cars, and a slow maturation and low reproductive rate, box turtles populations are believed to be diminishing. Areas of heavy development and road construction are likely areas where box turtle populations will no longer thrive.” For more check out this web link: https://www.ncwildlife.org/Portals/0/Learning/documents/Profiles/Reptile/Box_Turtle_Wildlife_Profile_UPDATE_2018.pdf
Sadly, Box Turtles are also endangered because they are commonly gathered and sold for $75-200 as pets. So please if you find one, try to release him near by in a safe place where he will do better than being a pet!
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