Box Turtles!

Did you know box turtles live on land -- often near water -- in the eastern United States. Of the four subspecies of box turtles, the three-toed box turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis) is the only one with red on its head. Also the male's head can be completely red. Other males and females will have red, orange or yellow spots on their head. Box turtles range in size from 4 to 7 inches. Thats pretty small for a turtle! What I’m going to say now is long so hold on ok? Box Turtles are North American turtles of the genus Terrapene. Although box turtles are superficially similar to tortoises in terrestrial habits and overall appearance, they are actually members of the American pond turtle family (Emydidae). The twelve taxa which are distinguished in the genus are distributed over four species. They are largely characterized by having a domed shell which is hinged at the bottom, allowing the animal to retract its head and legs and close its shell tightly to protect itself from predators.

#BoxTurtle #domedshell