30 Frequently Asked Questions About Box Turtles!
1. On average how fast are box turtles?
On average, the eastern box turtle can cross the length of a football field in 20 minutes, or 5 yards in one minute. Box turtles are lucky in that they can use their shell for protection against predators because at the rate they travel, it would be nearly impossible to outrun a predator. In experiments it was found that box turtles are able to reach one quarter of a mile per hour for short distances and about one sixth of a mile per hour for long distances, but it is not common to find box turtles walking long distances much in a day
On average, the eastern box turtle can cross the length of a football field in 20 minutes, or 5 yards in one minute. Box turtles are lucky in that they can use their shell for protection against predators because at the rate they travel, it would be nearly impossible to outrun a predator. In experiments it was found that box turtles are able to reach one quarter of a mile per hour for short distances and about one sixth of a mile per hour for long distances, but it is not common to find box turtles walking long distances much in a day
2. How can you tell the age of a box turtle?
Box turtles have rings around the their carapace (top of shell) that represent their age. Determining the age of an older box turtle may be more difficult because those rings wear down with age, making them more difficult to count. Most box turtles can live to be between 25 and 30 years old with some even reaching 50 years. Although you can look at the rings to see how old a box turtle is, the rings are often hard to view and can be unreliable. There are researchers who class the rings in groups of 5, due to the difficulty of finding a specific amount of rings.
Box turtles have rings around the their carapace (top of shell) that represent their age. Determining the age of an older box turtle may be more difficult because those rings wear down with age, making them more difficult to count. Most box turtles can live to be between 25 and 30 years old with some even reaching 50 years. Although you can look at the rings to see how old a box turtle is, the rings are often hard to view and can be unreliable. There are researchers who class the rings in groups of 5, due to the difficulty of finding a specific amount of rings.
3. What is the average size of a box turtle? Are sizes affected by gender?
Box turtles' sizes range depending on the sex and subspecies. Once an adult, box turtles range from 4 to 8 inches, whereas Eastern box turtles range from 4.5 to 6 inches long. Which makes Squirt, being about 5 inches, fall right into the average length. Typically, males are larger than females of the same species. The largest recorded Eastern box turtle is 7.8 inches long, but the largest subspecies is the Gulf Coast box turtle, whose size can exceed 8 inches.
Box turtles' sizes range depending on the sex and subspecies. Once an adult, box turtles range from 4 to 8 inches, whereas Eastern box turtles range from 4.5 to 6 inches long. Which makes Squirt, being about 5 inches, fall right into the average length. Typically, males are larger than females of the same species. The largest recorded Eastern box turtle is 7.8 inches long, but the largest subspecies is the Gulf Coast box turtle, whose size can exceed 8 inches.
4. Is there a way to differentiate between male and female box turtles?
When determining the sex of a box turtle, the first thing possible to look at are their eyes. Mature males typically have red or orange eyes, whereas the female's eyes are often brown or yellow. Another simple way to sex a box turtle is by their shell. The domes of a female are typically taller than males, since this is where their eggs are stored, but the plastron, the bottom part of the turtle's shell, is more concave on males so they are able to mount the females with greater ease. When looking at the plastron of a female, it is most often not concave, but instead flat. A few other ways to determine the sex is by their tails. Male tails are longer and thicker than females to aid when mating.
When determining the sex of a box turtle, the first thing possible to look at are their eyes. Mature males typically have red or orange eyes, whereas the female's eyes are often brown or yellow. Another simple way to sex a box turtle is by their shell. The domes of a female are typically taller than males, since this is where their eggs are stored, but the plastron, the bottom part of the turtle's shell, is more concave on males so they are able to mount the females with greater ease. When looking at the plastron of a female, it is most often not concave, but instead flat. A few other ways to determine the sex is by their tails. Male tails are longer and thicker than females to aid when mating.
5. What do box turtles usually eat?
During youth, most box turtles are carnivores. As box turtles grow to be adults, around 5 or 6, they gradually become omnivores, therefore their diet consists of earthworms, snails, grubs, beetles, caterpillars, carrion, grasses, fallen fruit, berries, mushrooms, and flowers. Usually for wild box turtles, if they can catch it, they will eat it.
During youth, most box turtles are carnivores. As box turtles grow to be adults, around 5 or 6, they gradually become omnivores, therefore their diet consists of earthworms, snails, grubs, beetles, caterpillars, carrion, grasses, fallen fruit, berries, mushrooms, and flowers. Usually for wild box turtles, if they can catch it, they will eat it.
6. Where do box turtle habitats usually exist?
Box turtles tend to set up habitats in moisturized areas. However, box turtles can live in open woodlands, pastures, and marshy meadows. Box turtles are often found near streams or ponds to have water to drink and soak in during the heat.
Box turtles tend to set up habitats in moisturized areas. However, box turtles can live in open woodlands, pastures, and marshy meadows. Box turtles are often found near streams or ponds to have water to drink and soak in during the heat.
7. How long is the process for a box turtle's shell to harden?
A box turtle's shell is not hard until well out of its youth. Typically box turtles take 7 years to completely harden, which correlates when the box turtle is sexually mature and has reached its full body size. Once box turtles have made it to the stage of a hardened shell and full sized, their mortality rates dramatically decrease.
A box turtle's shell is not hard until well out of its youth. Typically box turtles take 7 years to completely harden, which correlates when the box turtle is sexually mature and has reached its full body size. Once box turtles have made it to the stage of a hardened shell and full sized, their mortality rates dramatically decrease.
8. What is the structure of a box turtle's shell and what is unique about them?
Box turtles shells' have 3 parts: the carapace, the plastron, and the bridge. The carapace is the top part of the shell, which contains the ribs and vertebrae. It's interesting because turtles can feel through this part of their shell. The plastron is the bottom of the shell, which is where a hinged joint is located that aids in completely enclosing in their shell. Last, the bridge is structure on the side of the turtle's shell. The main purpose of the bridge is to connect the carapace and the plastron. The high domed shaped shells are very unique for box turtles and is how they fit within their shell for protection.
Box turtles shells' have 3 parts: the carapace, the plastron, and the bridge. The carapace is the top part of the shell, which contains the ribs and vertebrae. It's interesting because turtles can feel through this part of their shell. The plastron is the bottom of the shell, which is where a hinged joint is located that aids in completely enclosing in their shell. Last, the bridge is structure on the side of the turtle's shell. The main purpose of the bridge is to connect the carapace and the plastron. The high domed shaped shells are very unique for box turtles and is how they fit within their shell for protection.
9. In what ways do box turtles reproduce?
Male and female box turtles become sexually mature around 7 to 10 year olds. Once they are sexually mature, a male will show courtship to a female by circling, shoving, and biting the female carapace. A male can grip the back of a female with his hind feet and goes over the female. Mating season begins in the Spring and ends around October. When mating, the male is often very aggressive and occasionally is dragged around by the female, since one mating session can last up to 3 hours. Although they have high adult survival rates, box turtles have very low annual reproductive rates. This makes it harder for box turtle populations to grow at fast rates.
Male and female box turtles become sexually mature around 7 to 10 year olds. Once they are sexually mature, a male will show courtship to a female by circling, shoving, and biting the female carapace. A male can grip the back of a female with his hind feet and goes over the female. Mating season begins in the Spring and ends around October. When mating, the male is often very aggressive and occasionally is dragged around by the female, since one mating session can last up to 3 hours. Although they have high adult survival rates, box turtles have very low annual reproductive rates. This makes it harder for box turtle populations to grow at fast rates.
10. How many offspring is one box turtle capable of reproducing and how often do they reproduce?
A female box turtle can lay around 3 to 8 eggs each nesting period and can have multiple nesting periods each year. A female is able to lay eggs up to 4 years after mating. Although the female can lay a large amount of eggs each year, it is common for the box turtles to die in youth. On average, 2 or 3 box turtles make it to be an adult. The shape of the eggs vary, some beings long while others rounder, but all of their shapes are elliptical-like.
A female box turtle can lay around 3 to 8 eggs each nesting period and can have multiple nesting periods each year. A female is able to lay eggs up to 4 years after mating. Although the female can lay a large amount of eggs each year, it is common for the box turtles to die in youth. On average, 2 or 3 box turtles make it to be an adult. The shape of the eggs vary, some beings long while others rounder, but all of their shapes are elliptical-like.
11. Can box turtles swim?
Box turtles enjoy wading in the water, while many other turtles enjoy getting fully submerged and swimming in deeper waters. It depends on the individual turtle, so the ideal swimming area for a box turtle would be shallow, but many enjoy soaking in deeper pond areas. Although they can swim, they are very clumsy swimmers and many have drowned from being going in water with no way of climbing out.
Box turtles enjoy wading in the water, while many other turtles enjoy getting fully submerged and swimming in deeper waters. It depends on the individual turtle, so the ideal swimming area for a box turtle would be shallow, but many enjoy soaking in deeper pond areas. Although they can swim, they are very clumsy swimmers and many have drowned from being going in water with no way of climbing out.
12. Do box turtles migrate?
A box turtle's version of migration occurs in mid-June to late-July when the turtles move from woodlands to wetlands. This is the hottest time of the year, therefore box turtles tend to move towards wetlands for access to water to drink, and to cool off. Unfortunately, this migration is the box turtle's most likely time to be hit by car.
A box turtle's version of migration occurs in mid-June to late-July when the turtles move from woodlands to wetlands. This is the hottest time of the year, therefore box turtles tend to move towards wetlands for access to water to drink, and to cool off. Unfortunately, this migration is the box turtle's most likely time to be hit by car.
13. How do the different seasons (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer) affect the box turtles and their activity?
Seasons and environmental temperature determines box turtles activity rate. In the Fall and Spring, they are out during daylight hours and sometimes stay in the sun, but during Summers box turtles go out in the morning and after rain to avoid the heat. Box turtles try to stay under shade, logs, and leaves when days are too hot. During the Winter box turtles hibernate and on average will stay in hibernation for about 140 days. Most box turtles prefer to hibernate in the woods, some tail-first, but most head-first.
Seasons and environmental temperature determines box turtles activity rate. In the Fall and Spring, they are out during daylight hours and sometimes stay in the sun, but during Summers box turtles go out in the morning and after rain to avoid the heat. Box turtles try to stay under shade, logs, and leaves when days are too hot. During the Winter box turtles hibernate and on average will stay in hibernation for about 140 days. Most box turtles prefer to hibernate in the woods, some tail-first, but most head-first.
14. Do box turtles freeze in the Winter? Does sex affect how long the hibernation lasts?
Box turtles are capable of surviving subzero weathers, since they let their body water freeze for certain periods of time. This is useful since their burrows are very shallow in the ground. A study was found that stated a box turtle could have 53% of its body water frozen solid for at least 73 hours! Once the box turtle is thawed out it is able to go back to its normal behavior. Some researchers say that freezing their bodies actually helps box turtles survival rate by slowing down further body cooling. Although box turtles can survive these harsh weather conditions, prolonged time in this frozen state can eventually cause death. Females often hibernate longer than males, but this is not always the case.
Box turtles are capable of surviving subzero weathers, since they let their body water freeze for certain periods of time. This is useful since their burrows are very shallow in the ground. A study was found that stated a box turtle could have 53% of its body water frozen solid for at least 73 hours! Once the box turtle is thawed out it is able to go back to its normal behavior. Some researchers say that freezing their bodies actually helps box turtles survival rate by slowing down further body cooling. Although box turtles can survive these harsh weather conditions, prolonged time in this frozen state can eventually cause death. Females often hibernate longer than males, but this is not always the case.
15. What are the necessities for a box turtle to survive?
All box turtles need humidity because dry air can lead to eye irritation. As most animals, box turtles need water and food to survive. The water is needed for them to hydrate and cool down. Although a box turtle can survive without it, it is best for the health to have a balanced diet of fruits and meat. Also, sunlight is essential to box turtles survival, especially if held as a pet.
All box turtles need humidity because dry air can lead to eye irritation. As most animals, box turtles need water and food to survive. The water is needed for them to hydrate and cool down. Although a box turtle can survive without it, it is best for the health to have a balanced diet of fruits and meat. Also, sunlight is essential to box turtles survival, especially if held as a pet.
16. Is there a difference in life span of a box turtle in captivity versus one in the wild?
Box turtles are able to thrive more in the wild and have shorter life spans in captivity. This is often due to unsuitable conditions when captive. If simulated to the wild environment then box turtles held captive can live longer in captivity, since this is reducing the stress of box turtles. On average, box turtles in the wild can live to be around 50 years old.
Box turtles are able to thrive more in the wild and have shorter life spans in captivity. This is often due to unsuitable conditions when captive. If simulated to the wild environment then box turtles held captive can live longer in captivity, since this is reducing the stress of box turtles. On average, box turtles in the wild can live to be around 50 years old.
17. What elevations can box turtles be found at?
Box turtles can be found all around the eastern United States. In the northern region, box turtles are not commonly found above 1,000 feet in elevation. In the Southern region of their range, box turtles can be found at elevations up to 6,000 feet.
Box turtles can be found all around the eastern United States. In the northern region, box turtles are not commonly found above 1,000 feet in elevation. In the Southern region of their range, box turtles can be found at elevations up to 6,000 feet.
18. How does the behavior of box turtles in the wild compare to box turtles in a controlled environment?
As mentioned in question 16, Box turtles live longer lives in the wild than in captivity, but box turtles also live a life lacking predators in a controlled environment, which in some ways makes it safer. Within controlled environments, such as mini aquariums for box turtle pets, they are less likely to carry a disease or bacteria, which box turtles are likely to have in the wild. Wild box turtles also eat a wider variety of foods than box turtles in a controlled environment. One other common difference between the behaviors of the two is that wild box turtles come out more during the dawn due to heat, but since a controlled environment usually has the temperature set up to accommodate the turtle they are active at any point during the day.
As mentioned in question 16, Box turtles live longer lives in the wild than in captivity, but box turtles also live a life lacking predators in a controlled environment, which in some ways makes it safer. Within controlled environments, such as mini aquariums for box turtle pets, they are less likely to carry a disease or bacteria, which box turtles are likely to have in the wild. Wild box turtles also eat a wider variety of foods than box turtles in a controlled environment. One other common difference between the behaviors of the two is that wild box turtles come out more during the dawn due to heat, but since a controlled environment usually has the temperature set up to accommodate the turtle they are active at any point during the day.
19. At what times of the day are box turtles most active?
Box turtles are the most active at dawn or dusk and are often more active late May through June. They are the least active during their hibernation period, which generally begins around mid-October. Box turtles can be found the most often after its been raining. When searching for a box turtles researchers find it helpful to go right after it rains. Box turtles can be seen less during the day when it is Summer, due to the extreme heat.
Box turtles are the most active at dawn or dusk and are often more active late May through June. They are the least active during their hibernation period, which generally begins around mid-October. Box turtles can be found the most often after its been raining. When searching for a box turtles researchers find it helpful to go right after it rains. Box turtles can be seen less during the day when it is Summer, due to the extreme heat.
20. What are the most common predators for box turtles? Do these predators cause certain environments to become less inhabitable for the box turtles?
Box turtles are often eaten by their predators, which include raccoons, dogs, coyotes, skunks, birds, snakes, and other mammals. Box turtle's biggest predators are man! Humans cause death through automobiles frequently without even realizing it. Although they have tough shells, it sadly can not defend them against a car. Humans keeping the turtles as pets or building roads, houses, and buildings is another major factor to the deaths of box turtles. These predators make it hard for a box turtle to survive youth and often adulthood.
Box turtles are often eaten by their predators, which include raccoons, dogs, coyotes, skunks, birds, snakes, and other mammals. Box turtle's biggest predators are man! Humans cause death through automobiles frequently without even realizing it. Although they have tough shells, it sadly can not defend them against a car. Humans keeping the turtles as pets or building roads, houses, and buildings is another major factor to the deaths of box turtles. These predators make it hard for a box turtle to survive youth and often adulthood.
21. Are box turtles endangered?
The United States government does not recognize the Eastern box turtle as an endangered species. However, many conservationists consider the box turtle to be threatened. Loss of habitat, collision with cars, and illegal trade have caused this turtle to be threatened. Increasing urbanization causes destruction of natural habitat. As the box turtles continue to be threatened and their habitats ruined, they are now on the rise of endangerment, which environmentalists are trying to find ways to prevent.
The United States government does not recognize the Eastern box turtle as an endangered species. However, many conservationists consider the box turtle to be threatened. Loss of habitat, collision with cars, and illegal trade have caused this turtle to be threatened. Increasing urbanization causes destruction of natural habitat. As the box turtles continue to be threatened and their habitats ruined, they are now on the rise of endangerment, which environmentalists are trying to find ways to prevent.
22. What is telemetry?
Telemetry is the transmission and reception of quantities, which is often used for the purpose of observing environmental conditions and tracking wildlife movement. In a box turtle study, telemetry is used to track box turtles. First the transmitter is put on the back of the box turtle's shell. Once the box turtle is released, data is transmitted by radio, and aids researchers to find the turtle with their receiver and antenna. The closer the receiver and antenna gets to the box turtle, the louder the signal will get.
Telemetry is the transmission and reception of quantities, which is often used for the purpose of observing environmental conditions and tracking wildlife movement. In a box turtle study, telemetry is used to track box turtles. First the transmitter is put on the back of the box turtle's shell. Once the box turtle is released, data is transmitted by radio, and aids researchers to find the turtle with their receiver and antenna. The closer the receiver and antenna gets to the box turtle, the louder the signal will get.
23. Do box turtles have all 5 senses and how useful are the ones they do have?
Turtles are able to hear, smell, taste, see, and feel. Their weakest sense of the 5 is hearing, due to their lack of an eardrum or tympanum, an external ear structure in other animals. They are still capable of hearing low frequencies and interpreting vibration patterns within the environment. What box turtles lack in hearing they make up for in their well-developed sight and smell. Turtles have binocular vision, which means they can only see what is in front of them and night vision. Although binocular vision can be a disadvantage, they see it very well. These senses are used to spot predators, food, and mates.
Turtles are able to hear, smell, taste, see, and feel. Their weakest sense of the 5 is hearing, due to their lack of an eardrum or tympanum, an external ear structure in other animals. They are still capable of hearing low frequencies and interpreting vibration patterns within the environment. What box turtles lack in hearing they make up for in their well-developed sight and smell. Turtles have binocular vision, which means they can only see what is in front of them and night vision. Although binocular vision can be a disadvantage, they see it very well. These senses are used to spot predators, food, and mates.
24. What are the benefits of tracking a box turtle?
Tracking box turtles helps track and record the slowly declining box turtle population. The more people track the turtles and raise awareness to themselves and others, the more people can be taught about the protection of our planet. They also are a good opportunity for children and adults to become educated of environmental issues and the disadvantages of taking a box turtle in as a pet.
Tracking box turtles helps track and record the slowly declining box turtle population. The more people track the turtles and raise awareness to themselves and others, the more people can be taught about the protection of our planet. They also are a good opportunity for children and adults to become educated of environmental issues and the disadvantages of taking a box turtle in as a pet.
25. How do box turtles respond to threats?
Turtles can defend themselves from predators by their hard shells and the coloring of their shells. Since box turtles' shells have dark tones they blend in with the ground and can hide under leaves, which is why when the transmitter was added to Squirt, camouflage tape was used to cover it and retain the turtle's concealment. Yet when spotted by a predator, box turtles can hide by closing within their tough shells, since as an adult their shells can rarely be fractured. Another way box turtles defend themselves is by biting.
Turtles can defend themselves from predators by their hard shells and the coloring of their shells. Since box turtles' shells have dark tones they blend in with the ground and can hide under leaves, which is why when the transmitter was added to Squirt, camouflage tape was used to cover it and retain the turtle's concealment. Yet when spotted by a predator, box turtles can hide by closing within their tough shells, since as an adult their shells can rarely be fractured. Another way box turtles defend themselves is by biting.
26. How do researchers track box turtles?
Tracking a box turtle requires a lot of time and commitment. Although it is possible to look for box turtles without any equipment or resources this would be very difficult, especially considering the difficulty of tracking them with high tech equipment, such as antennas and radios. It is most common for researchers to track box turtles through telemetry with radio transmitters. This requires regular searches, such as going to track the turtles once or twice a week. Many researchers take advantage of certain dog's natural hunting skills to retrieve box turtles. For instance, Labrador Retrievers and Boykin Spaniels are known to be good capturers.
Tracking a box turtle requires a lot of time and commitment. Although it is possible to look for box turtles without any equipment or resources this would be very difficult, especially considering the difficulty of tracking them with high tech equipment, such as antennas and radios. It is most common for researchers to track box turtles through telemetry with radio transmitters. This requires regular searches, such as going to track the turtles once or twice a week. Many researchers take advantage of certain dog's natural hunting skills to retrieve box turtles. For instance, Labrador Retrievers and Boykin Spaniels are known to be good capturers.
27. Do box turtles have territories?
Box turtles territories are called their home range. A box turtle will stay here their entire life unless relocated by someone or something else. However if moved away from their home range, they will do something called homing. This is when box turtles natural instinct is to get back to their home range. Although box turtles have their own home range it is not specifically designated for them. They share their home range with a variety of species, ages, and sex. A box turtle's average home range is usually as large as 260 square yards.
Box turtles territories are called their home range. A box turtle will stay here their entire life unless relocated by someone or something else. However if moved away from their home range, they will do something called homing. This is when box turtles natural instinct is to get back to their home range. Although box turtles have their own home range it is not specifically designated for them. They share their home range with a variety of species, ages, and sex. A box turtle's average home range is usually as large as 260 square yards.
28. How does a box turtle get turned back over after being turned upside down?
Many people believe that box turtles cannot flip themselves back over if turned on their back or even that they die if turned over. This is indeed a myth and not true, especially for box turtles. Although there are instances where box turtles die from falling on their back and being vulnerable to predators, there are ways for the turtle to get back up. Once flipped on its back, a box turtle takes its head out is able to use its strong neck muscles and push against the ground as hard as it can. A video is shown below to get a better visual of the process.
Many people believe that box turtles cannot flip themselves back over if turned on their back or even that they die if turned over. This is indeed a myth and not true, especially for box turtles. Although there are instances where box turtles die from falling on their back and being vulnerable to predators, there are ways for the turtle to get back up. Once flipped on its back, a box turtle takes its head out is able to use its strong neck muscles and push against the ground as hard as it can. A video is shown below to get a better visual of the process.
29. Should box turtles be kept as pets?
Box turtles can be challenging pets to take care of and require specific habitat arrangements to survive. To create a comfortable space for the box turtles an indoor habitat must be created for them to replicate the characteristics described in question 6. Although it's understandable why some people may, it is strongly recommended for them not to be taken in as pets. This is due to turtle's low survival rates in youth and in captivity and as referenced in question 24, box turtles will become more endangered, which would bring extreme harm to the ecosystem.
Box turtles can be challenging pets to take care of and require specific habitat arrangements to survive. To create a comfortable space for the box turtles an indoor habitat must be created for them to replicate the characteristics described in question 6. Although it's understandable why some people may, it is strongly recommended for them not to be taken in as pets. This is due to turtle's low survival rates in youth and in captivity and as referenced in question 24, box turtles will become more endangered, which would bring extreme harm to the ecosystem.
30. When leaving their homes what methods or senses do box turtles have to find their way back?
Mentioned in question 27, box turtles have a genetic homing ability that allows them to know how to get back to their home range if they happen to wonder out. This is inherently problematic when humans pick up box turtles and don't return them where they found them. If placed far away from their home range, they will continually wonder in search of their home because they know where to obtain the necessary resources only from that small area they live.
Mentioned in question 27, box turtles have a genetic homing ability that allows them to know how to get back to their home range if they happen to wonder out. This is inherently problematic when humans pick up box turtles and don't return them where they found them. If placed far away from their home range, they will continually wonder in search of their home because they know where to obtain the necessary resources only from that small area they live.