Long-lived terrestrial turtles with high-domed shells and strong site fidelity — they can live 100+ years and rarely leave their home territory.

Also called: Box Turtle, Common Box Turtle

Native status: Native; declining; state-listed in many states

§ Quick facts

SizeShell length 11–17 cm (4.3–6.7 in)
Weight300–600 g
LifespanWild typically 50+ years; verified individuals over 100; some unverified to ~138
OrderTestudines
FamilyEmydidae

§ Encyclopedia

The eastern box turtle is a subspecies within a group of hinge-shelled turtles normally called box turtles. T. c. carolina is native to the Eastern United States.

Source: Wikipedia — Eastern box turtle Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium-sized terrestrial turtle with high-domed shell patterned in radiating yellow-orange lines on dark brown background; hinged plastron; males often have red eyes, females brown.

Similar species. Ornate Box Turtle (more western range, flatter shell). Three-toed Box Turtle (subspecies — three rear toes vs. four). Aquatic turtles (no hinged plastron).

Voice. Hisses; juveniles may peep softly.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Omnivorous: berries, mushrooms (including some toxic to humans), insects, slugs, worms, occasional small vertebrates. Diet shifts dramatically by age (juveniles more carnivorous, adults more herbivorous).

Behavior. Terrestrial — the only US member of family Emydidae that lives entirely on land. Hinged plastron allows complete closure of shell. Site-fidelity is extreme: individuals can spend their entire lives within a few hectares; if removed and released elsewhere, often die trying to return. State reptile of North Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Pennsylvania.

§ Range

Eastern US from Maine to Florida and west to the Mississippi River

§ Habitat

Deciduous forests, fields, pastures, and forest edges with moisture

§ Threats

Vehicle collisions, illegal pet trade, habitat fragmentation, slow reproduction (sexual maturity takes 7–10 years).

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the eastern box turtle is currently classified as Vulnerable.

§ What helps

Never relocate a box turtle — they will die trying to return home. Help one cross the road in the direction it's heading.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Turtle Conservation Coalition
  • Box Turtle Conservation Trust
  • Davidson College Herpetology Lab
  • IUCN Red List 2011