What are box turtle predators?
Because of their ability to retreat into their shell, adult box turtles have few predators. Raccoons, chipmunks, skunks, coyotes, foxes, snakes and owls prey on young box turtles or box turtle eggs.
What turtle looks like a box turtle?
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).
What kind of shell does eastern box turtle have?
Conservation Status. The eastern box turtle is one of six extant subspecies of the common box turtle. It has a high-domed, rounded, hard upper shell, called a carapace.
What does a box turtle do when threatened?
When threatened, the box turtle pulls its body into its shell and waits for the danger to pass. Its shell is also unique in that it can regenerate. In one reported case, the carapace of a badly burned box turtle completely regenerated.
How old does a box turtle have to be to open its shell?
>> When disturbed or frightened, most box turtles will pull in their head and legs and tightly close the shell, remaining hidden until the threat of danger is past. The shell is extremely tough and almost impossible to pry open when closed. Young box turtles do not develop the hinge for closing their shell until they are about 4 to 5 years old.
What kind of home does a box turtle have?
>> Most Eastern box turtles have permanent home ranges. Juvenile turtles often have small, temporary home areas that grow larger as they age. If relocated, a box turtle will often attempt to return to its home area.
What kind of turtle seals itself in its shell?
There is, however, a single aquatic species of box turtle; the Coahuilan box turtle. Sealed Box – These turtles have the uncanny ability to seal themselves inside their shell. When threatened, they withdraw and close the opening using a hinge in their shell. This keeps them safe from most predators, though smaller turtles have softer shells.
What makes a box turtle a unique species?
Unique Trait – The ability to seal their shell is actually incredibly unique amongst turtles. In fact, you only see this in some species of tortoise. Most turtles and tortoises use their tough legs to block the opening to the shell. Shell Structure – The top half of the shell is the carapace, and the bottom half is the plastron.
Conservation Status. The eastern box turtle is one of six extant subspecies of the common box turtle. It has a high-domed, rounded, hard upper shell, called a carapace.
When threatened, the box turtle pulls its body into its shell and waits for the danger to pass. Its shell is also unique in that it can regenerate. In one reported case, the carapace of a badly burned box turtle completely regenerated.
