Eastern Box Turtle
A land turtle with a domed shell and bright yellow patterns that can close its shell completely.
What is it?
The Eastern box turtle is a species of turtle native to the eastern United States. It has a high, domed shell with yellow or orange patterns on a dark background. It can close its shell completely by hinging the bottom part, which protects it from predators. They live in forests and grasslands.
Why it matters
Eastern box turtles are popular in the pet trade, but their numbers are declining due to habitat loss and road mortality. They are important for seed dispersal in their ecosystems.
Where you've seen it
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