Where are box turtles found?

The eastern box turtle is one of the few native species housed at Reptile Discovery Center. Box turtles of all subspecies are found throughout North America, the eastern Gulf coast of Mexico, and the Yucatan Peninsula. The subspecies Terrapene c.

Where do box turtles live on land?

American box turtles are native to the eastern, central, and southwestern United States and on into the northern parts of Mexico. Box turtles forage for food on land, and spend much of their sleep time dug into burrows or wedged under fallen trees or rocks. They do, however, require plenty of fresh shallow water.

Can you take box turtles from the wild?

Make Sure You Follow Local Laws In some it is illegal to take box turtles from the wild. Once you have a box turtle, no matter where you got it, it may also be illegal to return it to the wild. Some states require a special permit to keep even one box turtle.

Can I keep a box turtle I found?

Finding a slow moving turtle is wonderful discovery, and one of the most commonly found turtles in the United States is a box turtle. Since box turtles are found so frequently and are so easy to catch, they are kept as pets more than any other turtle. They also are easy to care for.

Do box turtles bite humans?

Yes, box turtles can bite. They do not have teeth but they have a beak that could easily inflict pain on the finger of a small child. But it is also important to understand that box turtles are generally harmless creatures that usually bite only if they feel like they are under attack.

What’s the difference between a box turtle and a tortoise?

Tortoises have feet that are stumpy and padded, and they look like miniature elephant feet. Most aquatic or semi-aquatic turtles have a sleek shell without much of a dome. However, box turtles and some mud turtles do have domed shells.

Can I keep an eastern box turtle as a pet?

Box turtles can make great pets if cared for properly. With proper diet and housing, captive box turtles usually live up to 20 years of age, but some have been reported to live 30-40 years.

Can you keep a turtle you find outside?

Many reptile experts and enthusiasts will tell you not to keep a wild turtle as a pet, and they are right. It’s the same reason you may be told not to keep a frog you found in your pond, or a bunny you found in your backyard. Animals that live in the wild are not used to living boxed-up in a tank, cage, or hutch.

Can a box turtle bite your finger off?

Will a eastern box turtle bite?

They rarely snap, hiss or bite like many other turtles, so children are often allowed to keep one as a pet for a few hours or days. Box turtles will quickly eat a meal of fresh tomatoes, cantaloupe or earthworms, and after we’ve enjoyed observing them for a while, they can be released unharmed back where they were …

What are the Predators of the eastern box turtle?

Hungry Birds: The box turtles spend a part of their life on land. The birds especially the bearded vultures notice them from the sky.

How far will a box turtle travel?

Occasionally they are found soaking in puddles or streams. During the hot periods turtles may submerge in mud for days at a time. Eastern box turtles do not travel far, usually living within an area less than 200 meters in diameter.

How do you take care of an eastern box turtle?

Mist the enclosure 2 to 3 times each day. Eastern box turtles will thrive in very humid environments, with a humidity around 65% being most comfortable. Fill a spray bottle with filtered, bottled, or treated water and use it to mist your turtle’s enclosure 2 to 3 times each day to keep it very humid.

What is the life cycle of the eastern box turtle?

Life Span. As with other box turtles, Eastern box turtles can be very long-lived, possibly up to 100 years. Sadly, many in captivity will not survive that long. (Thirty to 40 years is more typical, even shorter with less-than-ideal care.)