Table of Contents
Where do box turtles come from?
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 in the wild?
All Eastern box turtle subspecies live in temperate open woodlands. They prefer habitats such as marshes, meadows and pastures, and must always be near a freshwater source such as a swamp, pond or stream.
Are box turtles native to North Carolina?
Eastern Box Turtles are the only terrestrial turtle found in North Carolina, and in 1979 they were selected as North Carolina’s State Reptile. Box turtle sightings are common throughout North Carolina, but with continual loss of habitat, propensity to get hit by cars, and a slow maturation and low reproductive rate.
Are box turtles native to New Mexico?
Desert Box Turtle Distribution Desert box turtles are endemic to the southwestern U.S. including west Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. They can also be found in northern Mexico as far south as Sonora and Chihuahua.
Is it illegal to keep a box turtle in North Carolina?
In North Carolina the eastern box turtle is classified as a nongame species with no open season, meaning that it cannot be hunted or trapped. It is unlawful for any person to take from the wild, have in their possession, purchase or sell 5 or more eastern box turtles (defined as commercial take).
How much does a desert box turtle cost?
How Much is a Box Turtle?
| Aquatic Box Turtle | $30 – $100 |
|---|---|
| Desert Box Turtle | $300 – $400 |
| Chinese Box Turtle | $300 – $380 |
| McCord Box Turtle | $7,000 – $8,000 |
| Indonesian Box Turtle | $50 – $120 |
Do box turtles 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.)