This morning I’m sharing two views of a Three-toed Box Turtle I photographed early last week at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge.
Frontal view of an adult Three-toed Box Turtle – Canon R7, handheld, f10, 1/2000, ISO 500, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
During the spring, Box Turtles are on the move, searching for mates and places to lay their eggs. This turtle was crossing one of the gravel roads at the refuge.
Three-toed Box Turtles are named because they have three toes on their back feet. Box turtles are unique in that they can close their shells up completely.
Side view of an adult Three-toed Box Turtle – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/3200, ISO 500, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
Three-toed Box Turtles live in moist, wooded areas, prairies, pastures, and areas with sandy soil. They prefer areas with plenty of vegetation cover and a source of water nearby.
Three-toed Box Turtles are omnivores, eating a variety of plants, insects, worms, slugs, snails, and carrion. They use their sharp beak-like jaws to tear apart food.
Female Three-toed Box Turtles lay 3 to 8 eggs in a nest they dig in the soil. The eggs hatch in 70 to 80 days. Box turtles reach sexual maturity at around 10 years old.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Three-toed Box Turtle photos plus facts and information about this species.
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