Eastern Box Turtle Poster Print / Infographic

Eastern Box Turtles are small, terrestrial reptiles native to the grasslands, plains, swamps and forests the eastern United States. Like other box turtles, they have a large domed carapace into which it can retract it’s head and limbs when it feels threatened. These turtles have five toes on their front legs and four on the back. They are omnivorous, and prefer vegetation, mushrooms, snails, earthworms and grasshoppers. It is often found near streams and ponds, but rarely enters the water as most of the water they need comes from the food they eat. They are usually about 4.5 inches long and weigh 1-2 pounds. When the shell of the turtle is damaged it can regenerate and repair itself. Because they are slow moving they are often hit by cars when crossing the road. They are extremely long lived and in the wild can live to be over 100 years old. It is the official reptile of the state of North Carolina and Tennessee.