Eastern Box Turtle

Range and Habitat: Box turtles are found throughout the eastern United States. They are found in a variety of habitats but are most common in open hardwood forest in the Piedmont. They are often. Eastern Box Turtles are considered common and not a concern nationally, but their populations are declining. They are listed as endangered in New Hampshire and Maine. Learn about the Eastern Box Turtle its woodland habitat, geographic range, diet, behavior, lifespan, and how you can help conserve this iconic native reptile. The eastern box turtle, a subspecies of the common box turtle, has a dark brown, hinged shell with yellow-orange markings. When threatened, it can pull its head, tail and limbs inside and shut its shell. Mar 19, 2025 · Box turtles emerge from brumation in early spring and are active until late fall. They eat a variety of plants and invertebrates and are known to scavenge carrion.

The eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) is Massachusetts’ only completely terrestrial turtle. It is a small species ranging from about 11.4-16.5 cm (4.5-6.6 in) in carapace length. Learn facts about the eastern box turtle’s habitat, diet, life history, and more. The Eastern Box Turtle is one of four subspecies of box turtles found east of the Mississippi and is the most common terrestrial turtle in the eastern United States. The box turtle was named for its ability to. The eastern box turtle is a small reptile, reaching only about six inches in length and weighing less than one pound. Its tall upper shell, or carapace, is said to resemble a box.