Box turtles are named as such because they can "box" themselves into their shell for protection. Turtles and tortoises have two parts to their shells: the carapace (top) and plastron (bottom). Box turtles have a hinged plastron that they close like a door to hide.
These guys are omnivores and eat vegetation (including strawberries!), insects, worms, snails, etc.
Box turtles can live a very long time--some sources say 100+ years!
In the Spring, you might see turtles trying to cross roads. It's okay to help them, but if you do, be sure to move them to the side which they are trying to reach. If you put them back on the side from which they came, they will just end up back in the road. Also, it's not a good idea to try to take a box turtle from the wild and keep it as your pet. They just don't thrive. If you do want to observe one for a day, be sure to put it back right where you found it.
I love watching turtles eat...is that weird? Well, whatever. At least Tudor enjoyed his strawberry, no?
I picture someone's finger in his turtle mouth as he's biting down on that strawberry. I'm terrified of losing a finger to a turtle. It's somewhat irrational, I realize.
ReplyDeleteHa! That's not exactly irrational, because it's definitely possible with a larger turtle. Just don't stick your finger in a turtle's face. It's not like they hunt for fingers. lol ;P
DeleteAhahaha! Those pictures are fantastic!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Holly!! :)
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