Eastern Box Turtle Conservation
North Carolina's Only Fully Enclosed Turtle
The Eastern Box Turtle can be found across North Carolina in a wide variety of habitat types. Primarily terrestrial, these turtles also spend time in shallow wetlands, creeks, and streams, especially during hot weather. The Eastern Box Turtle is our only native turtle capable of completely closing itself within its shell—hence its common name. When threatened, they can seal themselves inside so tightly that not even a blade of grass can be slipped between the shells.
Help a turtle cross!
Check both ways before crossing is a quote to live by, even for turtles. To safely help a turtle cross, watch for traffic and carefully move the turtle across the road in the direction the turtle was going!
Photo Credit: Jeff Hall
Diet and Longevity
Box turtles are generalists in diet, eating a variety of plants and fruits as well as many different species of invertebrates such as earthworms, slugs, and snails, and even some small vertebrates. These turtles live remarkably long lives, and some individuals have been documented to reach 80-100 years old.
Threats to Box Turtles
Unfortunately, box turtles have suffered population declines due to habitat development and fragmentation. Roads pose one of the most significant threats, and many turtles are struck by vehicles each year. Habitat loss, illegal collection for the pet trade, and predation on nests also contribute to declining numbers.
Turtles live long lives.
Box turtles can live a very long time! In fact, it is not uncommon for them to reach 80-100 years old.
Photo Credit: Jeff Hall
How to Safely Help a Turtle Cross the Road
If you encounter a box turtle on a road and wish to help it across, follow these important guidelines:
Safety First
Make sure you stay safe. People have been hit by cars while attempting to help wildlife cross roads. Only assist if you can do so safely.Move in the Right Direction
Check for traffic, then carefully carry the turtle across the road in the direction it was heading. Turtles are on a mission—they know where they're going.Never Relocate
Do not carry the turtle to a far away location. Box turtles have very defined home ranges that they know intimately—their food sources, water, shelter, and hibernation sites are all within this territory. Moving a box turtle outside its home range can be a death sentence. The turtle will spend its energy trying to return home and may not survive.
Life or death!
Did you know that moving a turtle away from where they are can actually sentence the turtle to death? Box turtles have a very defined home range and moving them outside of that range can harm the turtle.
Photo Credit: Jeff Hall
Save a Turtle
Keep your eyes peeled when driving on North Carolina roads, especially during spring and summer when turtles are most active. You have a great chance of spotting one of these remarkable turtles just about anywhere in our state. By watching for turtles and helping them cross safely, you can make a real difference in protecting this long-lived species.
Keep your eyes peeled and you have a great chance of spotting one of these turtles just about anywhere in our state!
Support Box Turtle Conservation
Your donation supports research, habitat protection, and education programs that help preserve Eastern Box Turtles and their habitats across North Carolina.